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Re: Extended-range bass clarinet history?

Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2005-03-16 03:20

"When I coached with Rosario Mazzeo at Tanglewood in 1951 (A.D.) he was then using a Buffet bass clarinet that he had fitted with extra length (mainly in the bell curving upward like a low-A bari sax) extending the low raange to written Bb--Ab concert pitch! It was this horn (and I do mean horn!) that Walter Piston wrote for in his 6th Symphony. When I returned to Tanglewood in '56 Mazzeo had abandoned that instrument for a stock low-C Selmer."

Hi Larry:
Having just worked with Dennis Smylie here in NYC, I believe he is using the Mazzeo bass clarinet you are describing. Dennis also owns quite a few other horns, but prefers to use the "Mazzeo bass" for most of his symphonic gigs. I'll bet he has lots to say about low-C bass clarinets!

JJM
Légère Artist
Clark W. Fobes Artist

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