 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2012-05-22 05:34
Is the Eb contra-alto clarinet part (in the reed 5 book) important, or can it be mostly played on/covered by either bassoon or bari sax instead?
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2012-05-22 05:36)
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Author: Merlin_Williams
Date: 2012-05-22 09:21
The part is written to take advantage of the Eb contra's range, so it dips down to the low Eb (Concert Gb below the bassoon's low Bb).
I was a regular sub on the Toronto production; played the show about 40 times.
If you're doing a professional production, I'd seek out the horn.
Jupiter Canada Artist/Clinician
Stratford Shakespeare Festival musician
Woodwind Doubling Channel Creator on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/WoodwindDoubling
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2012-05-22 10:20
Thanks for that - I wasn't sure if it was reasonably covered in the string bass or other low reed parts.
It won't be me playing from that book (I'm doing Reed 4 - alto flute, oboe, cor, clarinet and tenor sax) but I was asked if I knew of anyone with one they could lend or hire out for the run.
I think a local player still has either a Leblanc paperclip or a Vito EEb contra (or both) so I'll see if I can get the use of it for the week. The show isn't until the last week of November so that gives everyone involved enough time to source one.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2012-05-22 11:33
Chris -
I have a Selmer rosewood Eb contra, which I think has a better tone than metal or plastic models. It's at its best in the low register. It's an early one (1954), so there's no low Eb, but the middle B is fine. Steve Fox restored it. If you really need one, to buy or borrow, get in touch. (I'm in NYC.)
Ken Shaw
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Author: Merlin_Williams
Date: 2012-05-22 12:43
Generous offer Ken - but the low Eb is necessary and Chris across the pond!
Jupiter Canada Artist/Clinician
Stratford Shakespeare Festival musician
Woodwind Doubling Channel Creator on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/WoodwindDoubling
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2012-05-22 12:57
I appreciate the offer Ken, but as Merlin said I'm on the wrong side of the Atlantic to make it practical.
A rosewood Selmer would be nice, although I don't know anyone in the UK who has one. I only wish I snapped up a bargain on eBay years back now!
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Merlin_Williams
Date: 2012-05-22 13:01
I did the show on a plastic Vito. Handled it just fine. Very few notes over the break in the part.
Jupiter Canada Artist/Clinician
Stratford Shakespeare Festival musician
Woodwind Doubling Channel Creator on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/WoodwindDoubling
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2012-05-22 13:21
Glad to know whoever arranged the band parts made use of the lower register.
Just looked up the price of a new Selmer contra-alto and it's £3k more than the Privilege low C bass - so that's £750 per semitone below that of a low C bass!
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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