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xp plaquette Selmer •NEW• GB 21/08/02 10:52 Page 2

The family

Although the Bœhm system clarinet in Bb is the most widely known member of the , it also has a number of cousins that share the limelight with contemporary musicians today. Here we take a look at the clarinet family, from the highest to the lowest voice. two

Sopranino Sopranino Clarinet Clarinet in Bb clarinet clarinet in D in C Clarinet in A The most in Eb Also not for Increasingly commonly A favourite Best the faint cast aside by used. amongst Bb Basset remembered hearted, the experienced Combining devotees Sopranino clarinet in A for its sopranino players in brilliance and who revel in clarinet contribution clarinet in D favour of the eloquence with its warm Similar in in Ab to Berlioz’s nevertheless Bb, this a full and intimacy design to the Now a Symphonie found favour instrument, radiant , combined clarinet in A curiosity in Fantastique, with Molter in which it blends with an but with the itself, this this his concertos seduced perfectly with exquisite added instrument is instrument and with both Franz both woodwind softness and possibility of very rare and demands a Richard Liszt in Faust and string beautifully a low C, this one of the strong Strauss in his (choral instruments. deep tone. It instrument most highly technique as symphonic ) Virtuoso and is little excels in prized pieces its high notes poem Till and Richard faithful wonder that Mozart’s among require Eulenspiegel. It Strauss in companion of this clarinet for collectors. Its special has the The Knight of soloists from made its clarinet and use, however, fingering. Its advantage of the Rose, is the worlds of mark in the strings, was largely star quality? being easier to sometimes classical, chamber K 581. limited to The perfect play than its used as a and of both However, it military resonance of Eb beginner’s contemporary Mozart and remains very

bands. Sopranino clarinet in G# its high tones. Sopranino clarinet in Eb counterpart. Sopranino clarinet in D instrument. Clarinet in C music alike. Clarinet in Bb Brahms. Clarinet in A rare. clarinet in A xp plaquetteSelmer•NEW•GB21/08/0210:52Page3 and his in formandhas considering this Previously bent instrument that think ofMozart isstraight horn today’s basset Who wouldn’t a metalneck. in themiddle, Strauss and favourite of Massenet? was alsoa when nF in

Basset horn in F instrument andis in Ebdiffers from other clarinetsin the bassethorn. . The altoclarinet ea neckand metal bell, muchlike appreciated in clarinet sought after It isamuch particularly its curved nEb in

Alto clarinet in Eb authoritative bass string sectionsof marvellously with and alargerbell, one goingdown This clarinethas notes combine a curvedneck to lowEband the woodand contemporary There are two bass models: music alike. the otherto jazz and while its low C. C. low nBb in

Bass clarinet in Bb superbly smooth, too rarely usedin draws onallthe however, itisall clarinet inEb Unfortunately, deep register, which givesit charms ofits a symphony This clarinet exceptional . range.

Contralto clarinet in Eb the rest: foldedback . Composers wood, itextendsto metres long.Made instrument iswhat on itself,itis2.31 The shapeofthis sets itapartfrom more andmore. are turning to it are turning from metaland clarinet inBb a lowBbbass

Contrabass clarinet in Bb

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