Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2017-02-27 21:25
The other day, I had the occasion to visit with a nice gentleman who had first picked up the clarinet about three years ago, and had been taking classical lessons from a great instructor here in town. As we were talking, he mentioned that he had quit playing about 1 1/2 years ago, but was ready to get started up again. He was interested in some music I had, and in offering to share it with him, (knowing that he was just getting back into playing) I mentioned that the four-part harmonies were nice and low - having no high notes. He let me know that high notes weren't a problem for him, that he was playing up to altissimo G, but that the A, B, and C above were difficult for him.
This conversation made me realize that I don't understand classical music enough to know why such high notes are expected from clarinet players, and I was hoping folks here could explain it to me.
For me (right now, lacking understanding), it would seem there are better tools in the toolbox if such high notes are needed (Eb Clarinet, flutes, piccolos, etc.) Expecting such tones from a Bb Soprano clarinet seems like using a crescent wrench as a hammer so-to-speak. It works...but why not use a hammer?
I've rarely heard clarinetists sustain such notes in tune with the larger group, and am just curious (given how much practice is required) what the idea is behind the use of these notes on the clarinet. Is it for the unique tonal color? Is it something only more modern music demands, or do many of the old standards require these notes too?
Just curious, and hoping for a better understanding.
Thanks!
Fuzzy
P.S. Caveat: I listen to a lot of jazz clarinet, and know a small handful of jazz clarinetists who are very proficient in the upper altissimo, but even then - even if it is one of my favorite musicians...the effect of the upper altissimo doesn't seem overly appealing to me. Most of the time, others in my household that love the artists tell me to turn such performances down/off because they can't stand the "screeching."
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The Clarinet BBoard
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