Klarinet Archive - Posting 000686.txt from 1997/12

From: Hat NYC 62 <HatNYC62@-----.com>
Subj: Re: klarinet-digest V1 #501
Date: Sat, 13 Dec 1997 02:48:32 -0500

In a message dated 97-12-12 09:15:05 EST, you write:

<< Of course
he knew it was supposed to be played on a Bb basset. The fact of the matter
is that he didnt want to sacrifice sound and intonation on an inferior
instrument to just play those notes you are speaking of. >>

Indeed this might have been the case, seeing as how no one I have seen has
mentioned the existance of a b-flat basset in the USA. Any instrument that
does exist could indeed be inferior. Think how rare individually owned bassett
horns (in F) were 30 years ago. Some orchestras and some universities owned
them, but not many professionals (compared to today).

In Europe, where money for the arts comes from the government quite freely,
the expense of a custom made clarinet for use in only 2 operas is feasible.
The Met could probably afford this, but has chosen other areas to spend its
resources. Someone suggested that RIcardo's income is so high that he can
afford an instrument that would probably cost at least $10,000 to have made.
Has that person ever lived in Manhattan? Besides that, what if he were to
leave the Met? I think the responsibility for owning such an instrument should
fall on the opera house, if such a rare instrument is deemed necessary.