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Contralto Questions (Solo and Mouthpiece)

Author: DarkHairedIrish
Date: 2016-01-08 05:44

I've played the contralto (or EEb contrabass as I've heard it called) on occasion but recently started playing it more. My two questions are, first, does anyone know of a good solo for the instrument? I'd like to play it at my state solo and ensemble festival but I can't find much repertoire for it. I would be fine reading a tuba or trombone solo but would like one that utilizes the instruments range. Secondly, does anyone have any experience with the Grabner contralto mouthpiece? I'd like to get a new mouthpiece for the instrument as I'm currently using a the original bundy mouthpiece. Any suggestions would be helpful.

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Re: Contralto Questions (Solo and Mouthpiece)

Author: Ebclarinet1
Date: 2016-01-08 19:26

The nicest piece I've played for contra-alto is "Suite for Contra Alto Clarinet and Piano" by Barton Cummings. It covers the whole range of the instrument and shows off its best qualities. There are also a couple good contrabass solos, such as Le Pionier that work well on contra alto too.

I have a Grabner mouthpiece and love it. The Fobes San Francisco is also excellent.

Eefer guy

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Re: Contralto Questions (Solo and Mouthpiece)

Author: BflatNH
Date: 2016-01-08 23:12

If you don't find something written for it, a good option (for low instruments) is always Bach Cello Suites which pieces have a wide range. If your copy is written in bass clef, you can practice your sight-transposing too.

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Re: Contralto Questions (Solo and Mouthpiece)

Author: Chris_C ★2017
Date: 2016-01-09 02:48

There is Allegro Spirituoso (J.B. Senaille arr. Harry Gee) for - as it says on the cover - "Eb Alto Clarinet or Contrabass Clarinet" - which means EEb contraalto. It's a clarinet and piano arrangement from Southern Music.

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Re: Contralto Questions (Solo and Mouthpiece)

Author: DarkHairedIrish
Date: 2016-01-10 03:44

Thank you all for the suggestions! I really like the Suite for Contra Alto Clarinet and Piano. That seems to be almost exactly what I was looking for. Allegro Spiritoso is okay but I already have performed it on bassoon. Although I do quite like the piece and would be willing to revisit.

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Re: Contralto Questions (Solo and Mouthpiece)

Author: super20bu6
Date: 2016-01-11 03:36

Fobes San Francisco was the perfect match for my Selmer/Bundy Contra Alto. I tend to use Bari Sax Fibracell #3's. Good combination for me and the Selmer. However, I use a Legere Signature on my Bb Contrabass....and also with a Fobes San Francisco Mouthpiece.

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