 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jamies
Date: 2005-04-10 00:05
At the local symphony youth orchestra, which I hope to join, in order to play the clarinet you have to audition on the Bb Clarinet but be equally proficient on either the Eb or the Bass. I just discovered what an Eb clarinet is and I play the Bass at school. I only play on the treble clef and am not equally proficient.
Being a smaller person, I'm afraid to choose the bass because it is very difficult for me to bring from one place to another and is a big stretch for my hands. I can only play for short periods of time. I have never seen an Eb before but I think it would be easier on my body and would not require the learning of a new clef.
Which one would be easier to learn or better for my situation?
Thank you
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Author: GBK
Date: 2005-04-10 02:21
BassClarinetGirl wrote:
> rarely will a bass
> part be written for the bass clef (i've never had to play any
> bass clef bass clarinet music, i guess it is out there, but
> probably mostly on older pieces
There is a good deal of orchestral bass clarinet parts written not only in bass clef ( Prokofiev - Romeo & Juliet, Dukas - Sorcerer's Apprentice, Ravel - La Valse, Strauss - 4 Last Songs, etc... ), but also for bass clarinet in A.
Although you may not have seen any yet in your limited band experience, they do surface in orchestral music.
Usually when you least expect it...GBK
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2005-04-10 06:47
As GBK says, if you play bass you may have to contend with parts in bass clef and for bass in A. On the other hand, if you play Eb you may have to contend with parts in D.
I wouldn't worry about the reading problem, play whichever instrument you prefer to listen to.
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If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.
To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.
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Author: BassClarinetGirl
Date: 2005-04-10 12:50
Thanks GBK, I guess I didn't realize there was so much in bass clef. I guess it's a good thing I play piano and (just a little) trombone then!
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Author: Jamies
Date: 2005-04-10 15:10
I have never heard an E flat clarinet before. What does it sound like? and why would the Eb parts be in D?
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2005-04-10 17:05
What does it sound like? Try to imagine Alvin and the Chipmunks playing a clarinet quartet. Seriously, you probably have to hear one played by a good player to appreciate it. Note, however, that if you want to play eefer in an orchestra, you must be secure in the altissimo register. Many (most?) orchestral composers who include it in their orchestral pallate include it for effect and its ability to play beyond the range of comfort for a soprano clarinet. Just as you find bass clarinet parts written in the chalumeau, below the soprano clarinet's range, as likely as (more often than?) not, you will find eefer parts written in the altissimo, above or at the extreme end of, the soprano clarinet's range.
Why would the Eb parts be in D? They wouldn't. But just as there are works that call for bass clarinet in A, there are some works that call for a piccolo clarinet in D. If the Eb player doesn't own a D (which is usually the case), then transposition becomes necessary.
Best regards,
jnk
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