 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: jez
Date: 2002-08-15 19:00
I've just experienced 2 very different approaches to instrument making.
Firstly a friend making a bottom joint for a basset-clarinet in B flat (Parto) where all is precision on lathe and milling machine and very careful measuring to tiny tolerances.
Secondly a violin-maker who does almost everything by feel and by eye whose only effort at measuring anything was done with tools which would have been discarded long ago by the woodwind fraternity.
Both end up with beautiful instruments, but the difference in approach is quite striking.
Does anyone know a recording of Clemenza di Tito that uses the correct instrument? Mine with Dresden shuffles the low notes up and, incidentally, makes one of the most unpleasant sounds I've heard coming from a clarinet.
jez
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Author: Jerry McD
Date: 2002-08-15 21:57
just a guess as to the differences....the tuning of the clarinet requires much more exact measurements than a string instrument (adding frets is a different story). The intonation is completely wrapped up in the placement of tone holes and regulation of pad and cup height, but with a stringed instrument it is completely fluid with easily adjusted issues such as string tensions and finger placement. I could be wrong though...
Jerry McD.
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-08-16 00:19
Jerry - as a violist and clarinetist - you're basically correct. The precision is not required for the reasons you state. Size (in violins and all other strings) is what makes their unique sound. All string instruments (except viola) have a standard template for their size. The bigger the viola, the deeper the tone. The fact being: because it's one octave higher (exactly) in tuning to the cello but not half the cello's size this is what gives the viola its unique sound.
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Author: bob49t
Date: 2002-08-16 06:42
Jez,
I don't have a recording of the complete La clemenza di Tito, but my recording of Cecilia Bartoli - Liebestraume includes Parto Parto and its played on the correct instrument by Lesley Schatzberger. A particularly good recording with Lesley making a lovely sound.
Decca CD no 448 3000-2. I think I got it from Amazon.
Funnily enough I'm performing this and the Spohr Songs in October at a lunchtime recital in Dundee University (Scotland). I'd love to play it on the correct instrument, as bending up low arpeggia on Bb is not ideal. The alternative of Bass to low C would imbalance ensemble, but we'll try it out anyway.
Bob T
Anyone know where I could borrow a basset clarinet in Scotland/UK ?
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Author: jez
Date: 2002-08-16 11:23
Thanks Bob,
Surely a better idea than the bass would be to do it on a Basset-Horn or alto to get the low notes without too much change of sound.
jez
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Author: Bob
Date: 2002-08-16 13:32
Instrument making remains an art just like instrument playing. There are some things that may be learned from others and some things that may be learned by trial and error. Then there are some things that some of us never learn.
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Author: David Dow
Date: 2002-08-19 14:14
But boy there aren't alot of in tune viOlinist'S around....I am going to get in troubleYIKKKKESSSSS
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