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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
Sopranino clarinet in G#
Sopranino clarinet in Eb
instrument is instrument and with both Franz both woodwind softness and possibility of
Sopranino clarinet in D
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
Bass clarinet in A
prized pieces its high notes poem Till and Richard faithful wonder that Mozart’s
Clarinet in Bb
among require Eulenspiegel. It Strauss in companion of this clarinet Quintet for
Clarinet in C
Clarinet in A
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. its high tones. counterpart. instrument. music alike. Brahms. rare.
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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
Contrabass clarinet in Bb
considering this in Eb differs from marvellously with draws on all the The shape of this
Contralto clarinet in Eb
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
Bass clarinet in Bb
favourite of metal neck and jazz and deep register, the rest: folded back
Alto clarinet in Eb
Basset horn in F
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. chamber music. low C. orchestra. more and more.
