Author: WhitePlainsDave
Date: 2014-11-18 19:27
Recall the best practical reason for why "A" and "B flat" clarinets exist. Their semi-tone pitch difference allows music to be written in key signatures with reasonable numbers of sharps/flats, by writing it for either the "A" or "B flat" instrument, based on which one would face more manageable key signatures given the concert key signature(s) of the music.
As far as which is easier to play--the issue of sharps and flat notwithstanding, I suppose some could make the argument that the slight increase in weight of the "A" clarinet over it's same make and model "B flat" counterpart, might account for some extra work during a long performance. And maybe, all else considered, the "A" clarinet might take ever so much more air pressure given its slightly larger size, but I suspect these factors are small compared dealing with more manageable key signatures when music of certain keys is scored in key signatures much more aproachable for one of the two aforementioned clarinets, but not the other. People normally don't associate a different sound with the "A" clarinet, given its 1/12th tone/size difference from a "B flat."
I suppose purists might also sight that certain pieces of music are scored for notes too low for the Bb instrument (Mozart Concerto), or beyond the normal range of the "A" instrument, if double high "C" notes are used (Spohr Concert) when scored for Bb. But in truth, pieces like the Mozart Concerto were actually scored not merely for an "A" clarinet, but one with the lower range found in a basset clarinet.
I say play it on the instrument you prefer as long as you don't have to skip notes outside the instrument's range.
Or better, switch off instruments, mid performance, like Vegas' Wayne Newton. : -)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDQX2RXPe88
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The Clarinet BBoard
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