 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Kurt
Date: 1999-11-14 23:14
The answer to this is probably obvious but here goes: I've been playing regular Bb music with my bass cl. since I got it. Should I be fingering up everything one octave. For example middle c on a Bb is below the break and just above on a Bass? Just want to straigthen this out in my mind.
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Author: Kontragirl
Date: 1999-11-15 00:40
I play Bb soprano music on bass all of the time for solos and when I goofing off. I just play it how it's written. In fact, I take private lessons on bass, and the teacher just has me play soprano stuff. Really helps my upper register.
Kontragirl
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Author: STuart
Date: 1999-11-15 18:24
If its a piece for other instruments and bass, I would try (where possible) to play up the octave. Like contragirl says, its great for your upper register.
If you're playing solo stuff, I'd just play it as written (sounding an octave lower), other wise you'll be neglecting the major reason for the instrument in the first place!
What solo material do you have? It is very important that you got the best stuff because you don't want to miss it!
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 1999-11-15 19:09
Kurt wrote:
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The answer to this is probably obvious but here goes: I've been playing regular Bb music with my bass cl. since I got it. Should I be fingering up everything one octave. For example middle c on a Bb is below the break and just above on a Bass? Just want to straigthen this out in my mind.
Kurt -
When you play the bass clarinet in band, your part will be in treble clef, and you play it with the same fingerings as you would use on the soprano. That is, the G on the second line of the treble clef is played with everything open, and not in the octave above (with the register key, thumb and 3 left hand fingers).
In orchestra, most bass clarinet parts are written in bass clef. In that case, you read it at the written (transposed into Bb) pitch. That is, the open G corresponds to the G written in the fourth space of the bass clef. (You will also find untransposed bass clarinet parts, which you will have to read in bass clef and up a step, and also, particularly in Wagner, bass clarinet parts in A, which you read down 1/2 step.)
When you play bass clarinet, it's tempting to work on the clarion and altissimo registers. However, the instruments (particularly the ones with a low C extension) and also the mouthpieces are designed to favor the chalumeau. Since the soprano clarinet goes down to the upper chalumeau E on the bass, there is really no need to write a bass clarinet solo that goes higher than that. Of course many of the solos do go up into the clarion and even the altissimo, but the primary function of the bass is to support the section, and the instruments and mouthpieces are made that way. Without a radical redesign, there is simply no bass clarinet that can be played like a cello.
This doesn't mean you shouldn't try to get the best possible sounding high notes on the bass -- only that it's not easy and you shouldn't be disappointed or surprised if it gives you trouble.
Surprisingly, contra-alto and contrabass clarinets play (at least for me) more easily in the clarion than do bass clarinets, probably because the bore is narrower in proportion on the contras.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Don Poulsen
Date: 1999-11-15 19:28
As far as the original question, I agree with STuart. However, Ken, I'm not so sure I agree with your implication that it is hard to play high notes on a bass clarinet. On many instruments this may be true, but on a good instrument with a good mouthpiece, the clarion and altissimo registers should not be that difficult. On mine, for example, I have no trouble reaching notes above the staff (up to a point). I am not bragging about my ability, but pointing out the ability of my low-C horn. Also, many band pieces have the bass clarinet playing well up into the clarion register. Our band is currently working on a Sousa march that has the bass clarinet ranging from well below the staff to E above the staff (nearly a three-octave range).
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Author: SusieQ
Date: 1999-11-15 21:31
I usually play Bb music as written, but for a challenge, playing up an octave would give you practice on the high notes. However if you are playing this music with a group it is best to finger the music as written, otherwise you are getting into the range of the clarinet parts and that defeats the purpose of the bass clarinet. I hope I didn't confuse you more. We are starting Christmas music in band tonight and I have some cool bc parts, can't wait!
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Author: paul
Date: 1999-11-15 22:22
Okay, I'll drift a little off subject for the first part of my posting. I started to play bass clarinet just when I needed to start playing altissimo register notes on the soprano. So, it's no wonder I had such a hard time learning the altissimo register over the past couple of years as an adult novice. I had no basis of experience to work with. Oh well, that's water under the bridge.
Now, back to the subject. If you get a chance to at least practice playing the higher notes on the bass, even if it's just for fun, go for it. Be sure not to over extend your capabilities or blow a perfectly good bass embouchure, etc. However, keeping your skills up will help you quickly transition from playing the bass to playing any clarinet or any other single reed instrument. Not a bad start if you want to be proficient in as many horns as possible in the future.
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Author: Kontragirl
Date: 1999-11-16 01:13
Ken Shaw wrote:
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Surprisingly, contra-alto and contrabass clarinets play (at least for me) more easily in the clarion than do bass clarinets, probably because the bore is narrower in proportion on the contras.
You aren't the only one. Actually, now that I'm getting better at bass, it isn't as much of an issue, but the first night with the contra, I had my full range, as with the bass, it took about a week to get the upper register into shape.
The one thing that's easier on bass than contra is altissimo!
Kontragirl
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Author: Kurt
Date: 1999-11-16 02:35
Ha, I knew Sousa would have bass clarinets playing up in the altissimo; figures.
Seriously though, I've had little trouble with the altissimo up to E once I found the right reed. My troubles are with the break really and they are mostly mechanical (me).
I love the low register so have to agree with those of you who mention that their is little point in stepping on the Bb soprano's. I've been playing a lot of old C. Rose Etudes that I studied years ago for the Bb. They are mostly pretty fun and challenging to play if a little wierd on the Bass. Still, I can see why a lot of avante gaurd musicians use the Bass Cl.
Another point: I'm unfourtunately very flat in the low register on my instrument. Beyond my ability to adjust with my embachure. I wonder if it's worth the effort to take 'drastic measures' like looking for different necks?
Thanks for all the great comments, bye the way.
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