 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jessica
Date: 2001-07-05 00:00
I was reading an article by Daniel Leeson on the Online Clarinet Resource & he was talking about basset clarinets; prior to reading his article I had never heard of them and was wondering if someone could tell me a little about them.
TIA,
- Jessica
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Author: David
Date: 2001-07-05 00:40
The basset horn (Which is what I assume you mean by basset clarinet) is an alto/bass clarinet in the key of F. I have never personally seen or heard one, but I have heard that they have a rather distinctive tone quality due to an overall narrower barrel. (Or is it wider? I can't remember! :-P)
I bet someone else can say more about them than I can!! Lol.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-07-05 01:05
The basset clarinet and basset horn are two entirely different instruments.
Basset Clarinet:
Soprano clarinet in A that is extended to a low C. It is reputed to be the instrument upon which Anton Stadler played Mozart's Clarinet Concerto. Although a little awkward, technically it could take the place of a standard A clarinet.
Basset Horn:
Clarinet in F that is one step higher than the Eb alto clarinet. More than one type exists (bore size). They are called for in a limited number of orchestral works.
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Author: KevinS
Date: 2001-07-05 02:19
David Shifrin does an excellent recording of the Mozart using the Basset Clarinet. There is something about the extended length of the horn that makes the sound seem much "sweeter" than a regular Clarinet in "A". That's probably not a great description but it is what I think and feel when I listen to that particular recording.
Best of Luck,
Kevin Stockdale
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Author: Robert Small
Date: 2001-07-05 04:43
Bb basset clarinets and basset extensions are available from instrument maker Steven Fox. I think the low C extension for Bb clarinet is a good idea.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2001-07-05 13:28
We have discussed all three of these "extended range" clarinets, so a search of Sneezy under "Basset" for the A sop.clar and F alto cl versions and Low C for the bass cl will turn up much info. The bass version is very frequently discussed by the Yahoo bass clarinet group in a highly professional manner. As a "thumb-nail" sketch, the bass, almost only, is needed in classical, some modern religious and, infrequently, in community band music [for a low D]. The two bassets [not a dog, considering their cost!!!] are needed to play some of Mozart's compositions [as written] [I have heard Shifrin play the Concerto twice in person!!! and the Quintet {on a very good but "regular" A } both GREAT], a few other composers have written for them with lesser success, I believe. Jack Brymer in "Clarinet" gives a lengthy discussion of the Mozart concerto [he calls it, "simply the best"] its history and modifications of the lowest notes. 'Nuff for a start? Don
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