 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2010-04-30 16:36
Just wondering who else finds the 'Intermezzo' (5th movement) is much better/easier played on an A clarinet instead of Bb as is scored, and if that's done regularly.
Although I'm only depping for a couple of rehearsals while the principal clarinet is away, I will be playing the alto sax part for the performance - chances are I'll probably play the Eb clarinet in this as well.
Only thing is we haven't got a cimbalon player yet.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2010-05-01 04:12
I can't speak to that specific movement but I will say that it is not uncommon for some orchestra players to transpose some passages to make it easier or smoother to play so if you find it lies better on the A then go for it. Though transposing a half step up is less often done then the other way around. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2010-05-01 09:40
Playing it on an A definitely makes it much smoother - in the original there's an end to a phrase (all in quavers) that goes B-A#-C#-A#-B - so a lot of throat A#s there (though it can be done on a full Boehm without going to throat notes - likewise with B-A#-B-C#-D and D-C#-B-A#-B passages). On an A clarinet it's a simple C-B-D-B-C with no throat notes involved (and C-B-C-D-Eb and Eb-D-C-B-C). The tonality in the A section (it's in A-B-A form) is F and C melodic minors when played on an A clarinet - E and B melodic minor on the original Bb part.
The cantabile solo in the B section of the Intermezzo is in E major for Bb clarinet - with a lot of ornamentation. This is much easier played in F major on an A as the ornaments are much easier and better tuned.
In the same programme is 'Peter and the Wolf' and this has both published and seperate A and Bb clarinet parts - with full Boehm the cat theme can be done (low D#), though it's much easier on the whole played entirely on an A clarinet. The programme includes the overture to Rienzi and 1812 Overture - strange programming, but that's just the way it is.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2010-05-01 15:12)
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