The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2009-01-25 05:00
I have a question for those who play basset horn but limit to the classical music for this instrument. Do you need notes below Eb? If you do, then I assume any of these players will only buy the low C version.
OTOH, if I or another player who doesn't use the instruments for the traditional use, and would improvise, compose or have others compose for the instruments we play, why would we choose this over an alto clarinet...?
Just curious who (theoretically) might be interested in this instrument.
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Author: Ebclarinet1
Date: 2009-01-25 12:06
Virtually every piece I've seen for basset horn uses the basset notes although the number used in a composition varies tremendously. The Stamitz concerto uses only one low C,for example, but other pieces use them as a major part of the music. Essentially you have an alto clarinet in F with a narrow bore without these basset notes in buying this instrument. I have seen parts for "alto clarinet in F" (Threni is an example) that don't use any basset notes but of course that piece could play on an Eb alto clarinet transposed up a note or on the basset horn without transposition.
The Buffet site seems just to have the one model to low C. Looks like a beautiful horn but I already own a LeBlanc.
The sound of the basset horn is more veiled or muted than an alto clarinet. Some people prefer them to the sound of an alto. It is a bit easier to play high altissimo notes on rthe basset horn, at least in my hands.
EEfer guy
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Author: rsholmes
Date: 2009-01-26 14:29
Yes, low Eb basset horns have been discussed here before...
but I still haven't seen a clear and convincing explanation of why they are made and for what repertoire they are intended.
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Author: larryb
Date: 2009-01-26 15:17
Now I recall the old discussion (through the aid of hyperlinkage).
But I had never seen this instrument (straight basset horn, wooden bell instead of metal, limited range) in buffet's catalog before.
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