 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: diz
Date: 2001-12-17 22:08
Hi
I'm a composer/arranger and an "ex" clarinetist from way back. I'm in the processes of doing some "sketches" which will become a set of pieces for clarinet ensemble. My questions are:
1) - if I use a "contrabass" clarinet (I adore them), just what is the likelyhood of ever getting my pieces performed.
2) - the alto clarinet - please - is it in E flat (which is my thinking) or is it in F?
Finally - assuming I take the easy option (not using a contrabass or an alto) would anyone be interested in "performance" testing my compositions? I'll be "outputting" them in Acrobat format - so, anyone can just open the file and print the off.
look forward to your comments
diz (Sydney, Australia)
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Author: William
Date: 2001-12-17 23:48
Alto Clarinet is in Eb. Basset Clarinet is in F, but not that common in modern use, so use altos instead. The contrabass is a common instrument in most public school systems so its use in your arrangement would not preclude its non-performance. I would, however, recommend that you dopuble the contra part in the bass clarinet part whenever possible, or write a special bass part to be uses in absence of the contra. Don't forget the Eb soprano. Good Arranging!!!
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Author: diz
Date: 2001-12-18 01:46
Yes, the E flat "soprano" clarinet is a wonderful little beast. When I played clarinet in the schoo's marching band, years ago ... my first march I took the bass (because I though it was kind of cool). On all subsequent marches, I took the E flat (mainly because the bass parts were boring, and it's a damned heavy thing to march with). My school had a lovely Selmer E flat - it was a beautiful professional model - I loved it. If I ever take up clarinetting again - I think I'll get an E flat and join the local military/concert band. Thanks for your email.
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Author: Ken
Date: 2001-12-18 02:07
I was going to suggest being a bit more original and get your fet wet with an unaccompanied solo or solo with piano accompaniment for C clarinet or F basset horn (not basset clarinet). If it's any good you'll eventually attract more professional and/or advanced players looking to put another notch in their belt. They'll not only do it justice but could potentially muster exposure in the right circles. Just what the world needs, another Bb or A clarinet solo ... not.
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Author: jenna
Date: 2001-12-18 03:18
Eb alto - Yes!
I'll test stuff. =) Whenever I buy a new ensemble piece I find people to make play it with me. I even have a trumpet player who knows just enough clarinet to wade through a second or third part. And don't even ask about the marching band clarinet line.. they dread my trips to the music store. =)
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Author: Eugene
Date: 2001-12-18 06:08
I play in the CalgaryConcertBand and have talked the bassclar, the first and me the alto intoforming agroup just havent found an eflat yet we will be starting after the 15 of Jan.Will go with two bflats if I cant get a eflatplayer.Thereis a contrabas clar.playerin town but he is to good for us he is a pro.Anybody who has any music for quartet or quintet for sale thats reasonable and used I would be interested.
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Author: Janet
Date: 2001-12-18 18:26
I am in a small clarinet choir (or large ensemble) - with 6 soprano, one alto, one bass, and one contra alto / contra bass. (He plays either). We would be happy to play test your composition for you. We usually double (2 players each) on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd clar. parts, but have the option of Eb soprano clarinet as well (instead of 2 1sts.)
Let me know when you have download - able parts, if you are interested in having us try it out..
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Author: diz
Date: 2001-12-18 20:52
Thank you so much ... my pieces (arrangements) should be finalised over the Christmas holiday (vacation - sorry, I'm an aussie). As I said earlier, I'm a clarinetist from way back, so understand "the break" and other aspects of clarinet technique. Can you please email me with your contact address - or would you rather I send you my pieces via email? I'm hopping the PDFs won't turn out too large.
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Author: diz
Date: 2001-12-18 21:04
Writting for the C clarinet? Hmm, have never given that much thought. I read about Dvorak's love for the "light" tone quality of this instrument (he also used B flats and As, of course). I often think it's a shame when orchestral clarinetists use B flats or As and just transpose the "c" parts. Changes the whole tone picture.
I'll have a think about writting a piece for C with harp or piano accompaniment.
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Author: Blake
Date: 2001-12-19 17:53
i'm in a clarinet quartet of Eb/2 Bb/Bass sometimes we find music where the 1st is doubled on Eb and the 3rd is doubled on Alto. Hard to find any pieces written for Eb/Bb/Eb Alto/Bb Bass It makes for a nice rich sound like an organ stop. We would love to try one of your pieces. Blake
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