The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: larry
Date: 2002-06-03 16:10
How is "harmony" clarinet defined? When I scan the Classifieds section here, I notice a lot of what I'd call soprano clarinets, even E Flats, in the "harmony" section. Am I going to find that perfect Selmer center toned clarinet also listed under oboes?
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2002-06-03 16:29
That term usually refers to any key except soprano B-flat or A instruments. Catalogs list these instruments under the "harmony" category: Alto, Bass, Contra-Alto, Contra-Bass, Basset Horn, E-flat soprano, D soprano, C soprano.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2002-06-03 17:17
I agree R K, I might add that I presume the classification came about from the usual melody/harmony [band?] music-assignments. Playing bass I'm always pleased to have a bit of malady, a relief from the harmonica. Larry, the Selmer C T is'nt perfect, but my Bb is dern good. Don
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Author: Robert Small
Date: 2002-06-03 18:02
Then "harmonica" for harmony would be a Fraudian slap too.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2002-06-03 19:00
By golly, BBoarders can read!! I guess it comes from a good fiend who loves Hammond Wry. D--
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Author: William Hughes
Date: 2002-06-03 20:29
The family of "harmony" clarinets, especially those delightfully keyed in Eb, are named after the philosophical idea of Harmonia, meaning bringing together, supporting and supply the essential qualities of intonation and musicality which provide to the listener the very essence of aural pleasure, comfort and satisfaction.
By contrast, "melody" clarinets, most commonly found in the awkward and unsatisfying keys of A or Bb, reflect the concept of Melodious meaning vain, selfish and given to craven attempts to control or dominate the score, traits which harmony players are forced to suffer with the patience and dignity that is so frequently found at the core of their characters.
I hope this helps. (I know I feel better already.)
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Author: Todd Wees
Date: 2002-06-03 20:49
William H. --
Isn't it difficult to play with your tongue in your cheek?
Todd W.
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2002-06-05 03:36
I thought it was spelt "wunderbar" and the Latin abbreviation should be "et. al.".
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2002-06-05 17:45
You are correct, Mark P, and I dont mind a bit Mark C, just my peculiar sense of humor at work. As Dee once said, its a "phonetic" spelling as in that wonderful/rollicking song. Don
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