 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: limyantong
Date: 2013-08-17 13:44
What is the difference between clarinet first, second, and third? What do they play individually?
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Author: halfshellhero
Date: 2013-08-17 14:04
I assume you're talking about concert band music, not orchestral music, correct?
First part is the highest part usually. They often play the same part as the flutes and sometimes the trumpets, and sometimes have a part of their own.
Second part is usually in the middle range of the instrument. They usually play harmonies and/or double the trumpets.
Third part is in the low range. They sometimes play the same thing as the other low reeds (tenor sax, etc.) and sometimes they have their own thing going on. This one I'm not as sure on because I have the least experience playing third part.
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2013-08-17 14:45
I think the first response may be true of parts for simpler lower school bands etc but not for general concert bands.
For most bands in the older wind band transcriptions of orchestral parts the clarinets generally take the place of the first and second violins and often violas plus of course the 1st or solo clarinets also take most of the parts written in orchestra for the clarinets.
For more recent and modern band scores the range required of the 1st 2nd and 3rd clarinets is much more even often having all the clarinets play some lines in unison. It is not uncommon to see the 3rd parts well above the stave.
True the 1st often have the main melody line and tend to spend rather more time in the higher reaches but but often with complex interweaving between the 2nd and 3rd parts.
Essentially the composer or arranger can position any of the clarinet parts for maximum musical impact.
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Author: halfshellhero
Date: 2013-08-17 15:39
Most of my experience is with upper level school bands and all-state, so my interpretation of what the different parts usually play mostly relates to that. I have played in a couple of orchestra pits for musicals, which was fun because the parts were more exposed and I had more of my own part rather than playing some variation on what other instruments were playing. That's a totally different situation, though, and parts for that are way different than in a winds and percussion only band.
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2013-08-17 15:48
In high school we had 24 b flat clarinetists of a 72 piece band. 1940-43. Lots on each part.
richard smith
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2013-08-17 21:12
having sat on all chairs, I consider Clarinet II the most demanding, as you have to keep Clarinet I and III together, somehow. Clarinet I has often higher notes but not necessarily technically more diffucult parts, but a lot more recognition and "stage time". Clarinet III has technically easier stuff but needs enough oomph and good ears to provide a solid foundation.
II is the spine between I (head) and III (well, uhm, er...) ![[tongue]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie6.gif)
--
Ben
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Author: FDF
Date: 2013-08-17 22:02
I think it's interesting that Anton Stadler preferred the 2nd part. 2nd is in many ways the most interesting by playing melodies, harmonies, and rhythms, and tying it all together. First, in band music, is usually more melodic and technically easier for that reason, but more difficult to play with great musicality. Third is sometimes the most difficult part with repetitious, but challenging rhythms. It is important to have excellent players on third, but it does get boring. A sense of ensemble by all members of the section is necessary. If first doesn't appreciate the difficulty of 2nd and 3rd, for instance, it all goes south. In amateur groups, giving all the quality musicians a turn at the different parts is good for the whole.
Forest
Amateur Musician
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Author: halfshellhero
Date: 2013-08-17 22:43
If there's one thing that makes me mad, it's when the firsts play really loudly and are all great players, but the thirds don't project because they aren't confident - when really the thirds should project more because they form the base of the section.
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Author: GeorgeL ★2017
Date: 2013-08-19 15:18
1st part usually has the melody, high notes, players with big egos, and in a band is seated closest to the conductor.
2nd part is ideal for someone trying to increase their skill level as it is written in a range that gives you plenty of practice going over the Bb-B break. Few high notes, but you do have to listen to the 3rds if they are behind you.
3rd part is the least melodic and, as mentioned in another post, usually has the least-skilled players. For someone trying to regain skills after many years of not playing, it gets them into the band. The people sitting behind the 3rd clarinets are frequently playing very different (and loud) parts such as tympani or trombone, so hearing the other clarinets, especially during outdoor concerts, can be quite difficult for 3rd clarinets.
The last clarinet choice in most bands is bass clarinet. Frequently, a lesser-skilled clarinetist (like me) is cajoled into playing bass, which part often follows the tuba, euphonium, bassoon or tenor sax. But the bass clarinet will play more solo passages than any other clarinetist except the principal first.
George Libman
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2013-08-20 01:08
5 years ago I returned to the clarinet after a 45 year absence. I joined a novice "New Horizons" band and, because most of my old skills quickly returned, played first clarinet and still do. 3 years ago, looking for something more challenging I also joined another local community band which is considerably more advanced. In this one I play 3rd clarinet, and this has led me to an appreciation of the 2nd and 3rd parts and where they fit. I find that things like rest-counting and timekeeping are even more critical than in the 1st part, and that as a general rule the 2nds and 3rds are more difficult than is sometimes realized. Certainly 3rd clarinet was my way into a band that I would not otherwise have considered joining, but I enjoy playing it as much as I enjoy playing 1st in the New Horizons band. I wouldn't say that the 3rds that I know are necessarily less talented, although some are less experienced.
Tony F.
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Author: BflatNH
Date: 2013-08-20 03:52
I'm playing a variety of parts in different bands & orchestras, and can say that 3rd is no picknick. The best balance I've found is 2 - 1st, 3 - 2nd, 4 - 3rd as the lower pitches do not carry well, esp compared to 2 altissimo 1st. The chalemeau (lower) register is not efficient and it has been good exercise to match the power (and balance) in a chord with higher players. Then there are the throat tones which require (for me) specific fingering, ligature, reed & barrel adjustments to sound as good as other notes, and to try to match other 3rd players whose throat tones are out of pitch if they can't get on pitch. But it has really helped my entire clarinet range sound and control. Still, I need a 'vacation' on some other parts.
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