The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: javier garcia
Date: 2000-11-13 17:20
On the Amati web site there is a G clarinet:
http://www.amati.cz/english/production/instruments/files/acl/german/acl_340g.htm
I didn't know there was such G-pitched clarinet
Does someone know what it is used for?
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2000-11-13 18:36
Javier -
The clarinet in high G is used for Schrammelmusik, which is waltzes, polkas, and so on composed by the Schrammel family around the turn of the century. It remains very popular as background music in German restaurants and beer gardens. The group consists of two violins, G clarinet and bass guitar.
There are several excellent CDs of this music. It's very happy stuff.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Willie
Date: 2000-11-14 04:33
I understand that G clarinets are popular for Middle Eastern music, the style played in the Arabic nations, Turkey, Afganistan, etc.
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Author: Arnold the basset hornist
Date: 2000-11-14 07:30
I viewed the picture.
The displayed amati clarinet is pitched in "low G" (between A/Bb soprano clarinet and basset horn in F/Eb alto clarinet). I was told some time ago, this pitch is used in Greek and Turkish folk musik (like Willie said).
You can also use this instrument to play the chalumeau part (in the chalumeau register only) of Chistoph GRAUPNER's (1683-1760) Trio for Bassoon, Calumeau in C and Basso continuo, published at Kunzelmann (GM781).
Arnold (the basset hornist)
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2000-11-14 22:15
You're right. I should have looked. This is obviolusly an alto model, a step below the A clarinet and a step above the basset horn.
Lark In The Morning has some recordings of Turkish music on this instrument. They also sell a very cheap and truly dreadful metal instrument in G, with the same "Albert system" fingering as the Amati. I've also read that the low end Amati instruments are junk, but this one should at least be a step up from the metal one.
It probably uses a standard Bb mouthpiece, or something close. From the look of it, the finger stretch will be humongous, particularly between the right index and middle fingers.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: mary
Date: 2000-11-16 06:11
G clarinets are largely used in turkish and greek folk music. they take a standard mouthpiece, and as far as i know, are all albert system. it seems that like everything, there are good ones and bad ones. it's a bit of a finger stretch- my past history of tendinitis feels it more, but no more than bass clarinet or bari sax (the stretch, not the weight). great sound. most players of that style of folk music use extremely soft reeds (1 1/2 or less!).
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