The Clarinet Family
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xp plaquette Selmer •NEW• GB 8/10/02 13:02 Page 2 The clarinet family Although the Bœhm system clarinet in Bb is the most widely known member of the clarinet family, 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 sound, 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 symphony) 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 Quintet 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, jazz chamber K 581. limited to The perfect play than its used as a and music of both However, it military resonance of Eb beginner’s contemporary Mozart and remains very bands. Sopranino clarinet in Ab 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. Basset clarinet in A xp plaquette Selmer •NEW• GB 8/10/02 13:03 Page 3 three Bass clarinet in Bb Basset horn This clarinet has in F a curved neck Who wouldn’t and a larger bell, Alto clarinet Contralto think of Mozart while its in Eb clarinet in Eb Contrabass and his Requiem authoritative bass clarinet in Bb when The alto clarinet notes combine This clarinet considering this in Eb differs from marvellously with draws on all the The shape of this instrument that other clarinets in the wood and charms of its instrument is what was also a its curved string sections of superbly smooth, sets it apart from favourite of metal neck and jazz and deep register, the rest: folded back Strauss and bell, much like contemporary which gives it on itself, it is 2.31 Massenet? the basset horn. music alike. exceptional metres long. Made Previously bent It is a much There are two range. from metal and in the middle, sought after bass models: Unfortunately, wood, it extends to today’s basset instrument and is one going down however, it is all a low Bb bass horn is straight particularly to low Eb and too rarely used in octave. Composers in form and has appreciated in the other to a symphony are turning to it a metal neck. Basset horn in F chamber music. Alto clarinet in Eb low C. Bass clarinet in Bb orchestra. Contralto clarinet in Eb more and more. Contrabass clarinet in Bb.