 The Ethnic Clarinet
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Author: kavouras
Date: 2007-03-04 15:51
Hello I am new to the forum. I am looking to purchase a albert system Bb clarinet for greek music (mostly tsamika and tavlas). I have done some research bu teh only thing that puzzles me is wheather i should by a HP or LP.
Can someone please tell me what the difference is and what type of clarinet should i get if I want to play this type of music. I primarily want to play the lower sounding tsamika, tavlas and karagouna (sto xondroas they say..) .....
Thank you
John
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2007-03-04 15:57
Assuming that you are already a clarinetist: why would you choose an Albert system horn? A Boehm or Oheler will play the same notes.
Bob Phillips
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Author: blue street
Date: 2007-03-04 18:33
I love Greek folk music, but won't be able to play it on a clarinet unless I get the right instrument. In Greek, Turkish and Oriental music there are several micro intervals almost impossible to play on common clarinets. Also harmonies, etc are different.
A Greek or Turkish clarinet is tuned in G and equipped with Albert system. It's also larger than a Bb clarinet. To use a Boehm/Oehler clarinet it has to be rebuilt depending on which key you're going to play. There are Greek clarinet players who have done this. And they need several clarinets for a concert.
Believe me, I've been told this at a work shop held by leading Greek folk musicians.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2007-03-04 18:55
If that is the case, either find a "local" (ie Greek or Turkish) manufacturer, or buy Amati's German "G" clarinet (ACL-340 or ACL-356).
--
Ben
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2007-03-04 20:01
WOW, Blue street,
I had no idea. I've picked up some greek clarinet recordings, but don't have the ear to glean the difference in intonation. Thanks for the enlightenment.
Bob Phillips
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Author: nifoula
Date: 2007-03-04 21:25
Hi guys,
My husband is a greek folk musician who uses a Bb Boem clarinet and is able to get all the quarter tones and styling w/out a problem. He does use and Albert system for playing turkish classical music, and it is best especially for ipirotika, but you can absolutely use a Bb instrument to play in many keys, and many well-known greek folk clarinetists do. It seems like the main prerequisite is to use a softer reed so that you can control the pitch to your liking.
nifoula
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2007-03-05 03:22
You can get all the pitches you need with a Boehm instrument, to be sure. IMO, the difference is in the fingerings and the transitions between notes. If you're playing hijaz in concert G in the low register you will have a different set of fingerings for an Albert horn and I believe this nuance can affect the "tone" of the tunes.
A G clarinet is not required for many Greek tunes, as Nifoula mentioned. Bb clarinets are very very common there too.
Kalakos? Anyone else with an opinion on the fingering issue???
Edit: To answer the original question, get an LP clarinet because that's the closest to current pitches. HP will put you about a quarter tone sharp of the same concert pitches on accordions, etc.
Katrina
Post Edited (2007-03-05 03:24)
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Author: kavouras
Date: 2007-03-05 18:39
There seems to be a split opinion on the topic of type of albert system for greek music...i have had mixed opinion of a C clarinet, Bb HP, Bb low pitch (most poular) .....
I guess they all will work, the question is what works for the old traditional music not modern day....
As a new guy trying to start out it is quite confusing..i want to get the best sound and clarinet ...
Thank you everyone for your input to date
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Author: Kalakos
Date: 2007-03-07 04:40
Hi, Kavouras:
You posted your question on Bass' Greek/Turkish clarinet forum too. They gave you good advice.
Greek folk musicians are using Bb Albert (also called simple system) the most today. They use low pitch instruments. C clarinets are also somewhat popular still. The A is somewhat popular to use with some of the female singers who sing in F# minor a lot. The G is a little less used by the village musicians (more by the more modern "art" musicians).
Like George said, get a Bb LOW PITCH Albert system clarinet. You will be glad you did. And if you get serious, you'll probably have a C an A and maybe a G in your collection
Kalakos
...and good luck!!!!
Kalakos
Kalakos Music
http://www.TAdelphia.com
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Author: kavouras
Date: 2007-03-07 14:29
Thanks everyone. I thank you all for your input and will get me a Bb LP to start my journey ..am am sure before i know it i will be expanding my collection. I cant wait!
Kalako, Geroge was a great help as well ...all of you have educated me alot and i thank you for it
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