 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: BassetHorn
Date: 2005-05-13 15:27
Hello,
Has anyone tried to cover violoncello parts using the contra alto clarinet? I understand that the transposing trick works very well.
I think that, range-wise, contra alto can cover the cello parts comfortably. Please correct me if I am wrong.
Theoretically it is possible to have the clarinets covering all four string quartet parts, with minimum transcription effort or necessity (2 C clarinets covering the violins, alto clarinets or basset horn covering the viola, and contra alto covering the cello part, if a low C bass is unavailable).
But have never tried it, would it work? Would like to hear your thoughts.
Willy
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: EEBaum
Date: 2005-05-13 16:49
A bass that goes down to its low D can cover cello, and will be more agile than a contraalto, especially in the upper register. I find it hard to imagine a contraalto being able to cover cello parts technically. A Bb can cover all but the lowest two notes of viola.
Also, it's not only a matter of being able to play the notes in their written octave. Different instruments have different ranges where they project well, and different registers where they sound "high" and "low."
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: RAMman
Date: 2005-05-13 16:53
I say, write 'em out and use the normal three b flats and and bass.
The Weber 5tet works very nicely when done on 5 clarinets...
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: BassetHorn
Date: 2005-05-13 17:15
Thank you for the feedback so far.
I guess the use of C clarinet is there for the purpose of avoiding having to transpose of any kind. In any case, if one wants to preserve ambiance of the string quartet sound, wouldn’t the brighter tone of the C better match that of the violin?
Contra alto could be no less agile than a low C bass. I have heard that the Selmer 40 plays similarly to a bass. My Leblanc 352 tackles bassoon part without difficulty. I guess it all depends on the particular piece and how difficult the parts are.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2005-05-13 19:50
Actually, an EEB contra-alto clarinet is very agile and, because of its ability to signt-transpose bass clef concert pitch parts, would actually be a fine choice to play cello or string bass parts (I think).
Willy. give me a call when you're ready and I'll hop on a plane with my contra-alto and play those cello parts for ya.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
