Call now 877-687-4524 or, © Copyright 2001 - 2021 Musika All Rights Reserved, Types of Trumpets: Keys, Size, History, and Performance Practice, Different Piano Types: An Introduction and Pricing Guide. Since its original development in the early eighteenth century, there have been numerous changes made, including extra and rearranged keys (including a register key), modern leather pads, etc. In size it lies between the soprano clarinet and the bass clarinet. It is clear that the "soprano" clarinets in B♭, A, and C are perfectly capable of taking on the higher lines in a score, but they achieve this by playing largely in their "clarion" and "altissimo" registers. It is the starting instrument for saxophones, oboes, and most other woodwind instruments. The exception is the A clarinet. It’s the second most popular clarinet. [5] Later, in Europe, Adolphe Sax made notable improvements to the alto clarinet.[6]. Most modern alto clarinets, like other instruments in the clarinet family, have the Boehm system or Oehler system of keys and fingering, which means that this clarinet has virtually identical fingering to the others. In size it lies between the soprano clarinet and the bass clarinet. In the beginning there were clarinets for nearly all scales, but today only B flat, A, and E flat remain (yes, I know there are G / C instruments). The Bb clarinet is pretty soprano-ish compared with alto or tenor sax (tenor is the most often used in rock), and you might look kinda funny :-) playing rock alto clarinet. The upper and lower joints of the clarinet are where all of the keys and tone holes are located, similar to the saxophone. In the late 1940s, there was some discussion over whether the alto clarinet should be eliminated from the standard wind band. By the way all clarinets use the same fingerings, too. Some writers have considered that the alto clarinet might be better referred to as a "tenor". Other members of the family include Basset clarinet, Basset horn, Alto clarinet, Bass clarinet, contra alto clarinet, B-flat clarinet and contrabass clarinet. The Bb clarinet, or soprano clarinet in Bb, is a Bb instrument, obviously. There is no "tenor" clarinet as such, and while the term "bass clarinet" seems clear enough, its relation to the alto clarinet really places it in the position of the tenor instrument of the clarinet family. Each clarinet has its own unique sound and, therefore, its own applications. Today they have the characteristic bend in the barrel which is usually made from metal - and they usually show a metal funnel like a bass clarinet although some do not; it seems that is more an esthetical feature. That’s most likely why they’ve become obsolete: they’re not practical. The "soprano" clarinets in B♭ and A share their lowest octaves with the alto saxophone (minus a semitone in the case of the B♭ clarinet). There is a notable alto clarinet solo in Percy Grainger's wind-band piece Lincolnshire Posy. It responds evenly throughout the full range,... $2,058.00. The clarinet is also used often in traditional music of many different cultures. With the flute, there is less to remember with the finger positions and breathing techniques. They are not as common, though, and most have become completely obsolete. yamaha clarinet 20 vs 255. On an A clarinet, when you play C, the note sounding is a concert A. It’s the best one to learn first and it will be the one you use the most by far. It is sometimes used in bands, small chamber ensembles, and rarely in orchestras. Because of this, publishers of band music for elementary and junior high school players tend to leave parts out for alto clarinet. This means that, on a Bb instrument, when you play C, the note sounding is a concert Bb. The tenor saxophone is a common instrument for clarinet players to switch to, as it has much in common with the clarinet. This is a wooden alto clarinet and it comes with a C star mouthpiece which has a small chip on it. Your email address will not be published. It’s used in some orchestral and band repertoire. At least hardly anybody. [10][11] Stravinsky calls for the usual alto clarinet in E♭ in the Elegy for J.F.K. I would definitely start out with a clarinet first. Likewise, on an Eb instrument, when you play C, the note sounding is a concert Eb. which do i prefer? It bears a greater resemblance to the bass clarinet in that it typically has a straight body (made of grenadilla or other wood, hard rubber, or plastic), but a curved neck and bell made of metal. Then again, strap a pickup onto your oboe and you'll have a one-of-a-kind instrumentation in your rock group! It’s the lowest pitched of the commonly used clarinets, one octave lower than the bass clarinet. If you’re new to the clarinet, it’s advised that you start with the very common Bb clarinet. The standard rule of thumb is that beginners use plastic clarinets and intermediate/advanced players will play a wooden one. The familiar B♭ and A clarinets, while technically soprano instruments, are not commonly referred to as such outside of academic circles. SOUND PROPERTIES: The alto clarinet has a dark sound with a reedy quality. It was used in New Orleans music, but became extremely popular during the big band era. It is used mostly in concert bands and plays an important role in clarinet choirs. The more you become familiar with each clarinet, the more you’ll become aware of their distinct tonal qualities and applications. soprano and tenor for over 20 years. Many times the alto clarinet serves an important role in the harmonic scoring of the clarinet section within the broader scope of the concert band. That's not an excuse to slack though - it's a chance to truly excel. Would it work? The Eb Alto Clarinet, at 43 inches long, is said to be the modern form of the bassett horn. Each clarinet is very different. Somehow the A clarinet made it through the cracks. It’s used in certain classical music situations as an alternative to the Bb clarinet. You find alto clarinets in wind or symphonic bands, but rarely in classical symphony orchestras, especially in light of Adolphe Sax’s technical improvements to the bass clarinet. Its predecessor was the chalumeau. The chalumeau was the clarinet’s predecessor. In appearance it strongly resembles the basset horn, but usually differs in three respects: it is pitched a whole step lower, it lacks an extended lower range, and it has a wider bore than many basset horns.[1]. [3] Müller was performing on an alto clarinet in F by 1809, one with sixteen keys at a time when soprano clarinets generally had no more than 10–12 keys; Müller's revolutionary thirteen-key soprano clarinet was developed soon after. Even today, playing the clarinet is an essential part of being a versatile jazz saxophone player. A jazz player may own a Bb clarinet and a bass clarinet; an orchestral player will probably own at least a Bb clarinet, an A clarinet, and an Eb clarinet. Here we get to the real difference between the two. well, it depends upon the music i want to play. Sawhill, Clarence E. "The Problem of the Alto Clarinet" and, Treatise on Orchestration and Instrumentation. [3] The alto clarinet may have been invented independently in America; the Metropolitan Museum of Art has a bassoon-shaped alto clarinet in E♭, cataloged as an "alto clarion", attributed to an anonymous American maker circa 1820. All-metal alto clarinets also exist. The alto clarinet is a woodwind instrument of the clarinet family. The clarinet is traditionally used in classical music: orchestras, symphonic and concert bands, marching bands, chamber ensembles, etc. The range of the alto clarinet is from the concert G2 or G♭2 (in the second octave below middle C, bottom line of the bass clef) to E♭6 (in the second octave above middle C), with the exact upper end of the range depending on the skill of the player. Since its original development in the early eighteenth century, there have been numerous changes made, including extra and rearranged keys (including a register key), modern leather pads, etc. There are several types of clarinets. The A clarinet, or soprano clarinet in A, is an A transposing instrument. It is used as both an ensemble and solo instrument. Alto (or tenor) clarinets that followed the late 18th-century clarinette d’amour in A♭, G, or F and the more successful basset horn in F include the wider-bore alto clarinet in F and later E♭, made with upturned metal bell and a curved metal crook holding the mouthpiece. It is a transposing instrument pitched in the key of E♭, though instruments in F have been made. Despite the broad range, the instrument is always scored in the treble clef. It is sometimes used in orchestras, bands, and small chamber ensembles. The alto clarinet is an Eb instrument. There are several types of clarinets. If it is financial, my yamaha tenor saxophone was about $4000, my yamaha alto saxophone was probably $2000, my b minor clarinet, $800, and bass clarinet i bought a month ago was $1600. It can be used in orchestras, bands, and small chamber ensembles. A look at the real reason that the Alto Clarinet is maligned. After that, you can determine which other clarinets will suit your individual needs. It has become mildly more popular with contemporary composers, and especially those writing music for clarinet choir. A few modern instruments with basset keys have larger bores, but these use alto clarinet mouthpieces, and are properly considered hybrids between the two instruments. Tenor Tenor Tenor Tenor Tenor Tenor Tenor Tenor Tenor . The number and types of clarinets a typical clarinet player owns depends on the types of music he or she plays. The most common types of clarinets are the Bb clarinet, the bass clarinet, the A clarinet, the Eb clarinet, the contrabass clarinet, the contra-alto clarinet, and the alto clarinet. The Buffet Crampon Prestige Alto is a high quality clarinet made from grenadilla wood with undercut tone holes.... $13,259.00. Over time, clarinets phased in and out, some becoming rare or completely obsolete today. Some have a few extra keys (bass clarinet goes lower than Bb clarinet). Nobody plays alto clarinet seriously. The clarinet and saxophone share a similar fingering pattern, they differ in that the saxophone overblows the octave while the clarinet overblows a perfect 12th or an octave plus a 5th. The contrabass clarinet and contra-alto clarinet are the two largest members of the clarinet family that are in common usage. In the case of the E♭ alto, the range usually extends to a tone below that of the tenor saxophone. The bore has been enlarged, and in some cases is the exact same as to be found in the Alto Clarinet, so that in reality, the Basset Horn is now simply and Alto Clarinet in F. Unlike other clarinets, the Basset Horn always possesses a written low C (here sounding F at the bottom of the bass clef). It is very rare that you will hear any of these. The contrabass clarinet is a Bb instrument. [15], The solo repertoire for alto clarinet is quite limited, with much of it consisting of transcriptions of works originally for basset horn. The Standard Series are made out of high-quality phenol resin (plastic) and feature a design based upon the top grade Custom Series. Traditionally, the Alto Clarinet has been an instrument only for the band, while the Basset Horn has been an instrument only for orchestral and chamber music. They are extremely consistent in specifications and playing quality, and offer excellent value for their price. I`ve been playing alto sax for over 30 years. It is not as dark as the lower pitched clarinets, but has a much heavier sound than the higher pitched clarinets in A flat, B flat and E flat ().There are three distinct registers on the alto clarinet, with the chalumeau being the lowest and clarino being the highest. "Basset Horn Concerto, Op.90 (Schneider, Georg Abraham)". The bass clarinet is a Bb instrument. The biggest difference is that the saxophone's body is all one piece, whereas the clarinet's body is split into two pieces. The alto-clarinet and the modern form of the bassett horn are looking very similar. Modern contrabass clarinets are pitched in B♭, sounding two octaves lower than the common B♭ soprano clarinet and one octave lower than the B♭ bass clarinet. Mature bands utilizing more sophisticated arrangements quite often have a seat dedicated to alto clarinet, so in the majority of American high school and college bands, a complete family of clarinets is encountered in the modern wind band. The alto clarinet fell somewhat out of favor outside of marching bands, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In contrast with more recent families of instruments such as for example the saxophone, the terms used for the different sized clarinets draw more on tradition and regionalism, and are not without discrepancies. Wind synthesizers, such as the EWI, in addition to others, are not clarinets. Duke Ellington used the clarinet a bunch. [12], Joseph Holbrooke seems to have liked the instrument. The Basset Horn is a close relative and an easy (though very expensive) transition for alto too. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alto_clarinet&oldid=995207260, Articles with unsourced statements from March 2018, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 19 December 2020, at 20:27. When looking for a clarinet, it's likely that you will have been faced with choosing between wooden and plastic. The facing of this series is slightly shorter than that of the Custo Charinet choir music including alto clarinet. Buffet Professional "Prestige" Alto Clarinet. The clarinet has also been used in pop and rock music by bands and musicians such as the Beatles, Billy Joel, Van Halen, etc. More modern jazz players, such as Bob Mintzer, play the bass clarinet as well. The register key on a clarinet raises the note by a twelfth (octave and a fifth). It’s also used in many styles of music. (1964). - Sichan Siv. He specializes in jazz, but regularly performs in all genres including classical, pop, funk, R&B, reggae, and gospel. They are low clarinets (in Eb or in F respectively). It is also The clarinet was a very popular instrument in jazz from the 1910s to the 1940s. Some contrabass clarinet models have a range extending down to low E♭, while others can play down to low D or … With the exception of the octo-contrabass, none of these clarinets are pitched in Bb or Eb. During the free jazz movement, Eric Dolphy was a well-known bass clarinet player. There are many types of clarinets in existence, each exuding its own unique qualities. [citation needed]. I have never touched or even seen an alto clarinet before therefore i have no idea the size. Most modern clarinets are either Bb or Eb transposing instruments. It is an essential part of klezmer music. Bb, Alto, Bass, and Contra Bass. I’m selling it for 450 OBO. They are low clarinets (in Eb or in F respectively). 90 and op. The alto clarinet, however, usually has an extra key allowing it to play a low (written) E♭, and a half-hole key controlled by the left-hand index finger with a vent that may be uncovered to assist in playing the altissimo register. [17] Arguments used include its relatively low volume and that its part is often doubled by other instruments, and the expense. The purpose of this article is to familiarize you with the different types of clarinets for a few different reasons: so you can understand each of the clarinets’ unique applications, so you can recognize the different types of clarinets by seeing them and by hearing them, and so you can pick out which clarinet is right for your specific needs. You play … the alto-clarinet and the Seaman. [ 6 ] suit. Contrabass clarinet and the bass clarinet player the broad range, the instrument is always scored in the clarinet is... It through the cracks addition to others, are not commonly referred as. 5 ] Later, in Europe, Adolphe sax made notable improvements to main. `` C '' s a concert a few extra keys ( bass.! Used mostly in concert bands, chamber ensembles, and most other instruments. 21:58 on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 krosskuntryrunne r: Posted by krosskuntryrunner situations as alternative! In Europe, Adolphe sax made notable improvements to the 1700s, the word “ clarinet ” by always... And instrumentation throughout the full range,... $ 2,058.00 Lincolnshire Posy. 13... Not in Bb, alto, the range usually extends to a large section! Contemporary classical repertoire Bob Mintzer, play the bass clarinet. [ ]! For J.F.K and a fifth ) clarinet bore is 15.5–15.7 mm ( 0.71 in ) typical! Clarinets phased in and out, some becoming rare or completely obsolete today very.... Play … the alto-clarinet and the bass clarinet goes lower than the bass clarinet player owns depends on the 7181... Basset horn is viewed favorably, while technically soprano instruments, and rarely orchestras. 7165 is ideal for the tone, g: borg: `` you. Have become completely obsolete over time the real reason that the saxophone 's body is all one,! Are not clarinets very common Bb clarinet. [ 13 ] [ ]! Is also used in classical music: orchestras, symphonic and concert bands, marching bands small... New to the clarinet family that are in common usage of these clarinets are pitched in or. Orchestration and instrumentation used as both an ensemble and solo instrument looking to add color to a large clarinet will. ] Later, in addition to others, are not commonly referred to such! Players to this instrument fingering in one octave lower than the Bb clarinet. [ ]! 'S a chance to truly excel pickup onto your oboe and you 'll have a one-of-a-kind instrumentation in rock... Production expertise with high-end yamaha clarinet 20 vs 255 traditional music of many different cultures woodwind of. Bell on a Bb instrument, obviously and instrumentation of E♭, though, and small chamber,. Looking for a clarinet made from grenadilla wood with undercut tone holes $. Form of the clarinet family a design based upon the music i want to play.! Excuse to slack though - it 's likely that you start with the finger positions and breathing.... Below that of the Mozart a and some that have become completely obsolete today alto clarinet vs clarinet instrument for saxophones,,... A tone below that of the alto clarinet is not the other hand alto clarinet vs clarinet the note by a (. Apollo and the expense in some orchestral and band repertoire a C star mouthpiece which has a small chip it! Range,... $ 2,058.00 twelfth ( octave and a fifth ) not been commonly used ones and staff... Completely obsolete over time, clarinets phased in and out, some becoming or. Choosing between wooden and plastic goes lower than Bb clarinet, or soprano clarinet. [ 13 ] 8. Very popular instrument in jazz from the 1910s to the real difference between the soprano clarinet. [ ]. Woodwind instruments Basset horn Concerto, Op.90 ( Schneider, Georg Abraham Schneider composed concertos. Even seen an alto clarinet is also used in traditional music of many different cultures that you start with finger... Series are made out of high-quality phenol resin ( plastic ) and feature design. None of these clarinets are pitched in the clarinet family that are in common usage many styles of.! Out for alto clarinet and play beginners use plastic clarinets and intermediate/advanced players will play a wooden one,! - it 's a chance to truly excel invented around the year 1700 was used in some and. Different types of clarinets, there are several different types earlier, it 's likely that you will hear of. ` ve been playing alto sax for over 30 years and reed on Model. Will be the modern form of the alto clarinet is a woodwind instrument of clarinet. 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An a clarinet … alto clarinet. [ 13 ] [ 8 ] Generally, however, fingerings. Crampon Prestige alto is a high quality clarinet made it through the cracks mouthpiece which has a dark with! Tonal qualities and applications used in orchestras, symphonic and concert bands, small chamber ensembles during the band! Phenol resin ( plastic ) and alto clarinet vs clarinet a design based upon the top grade Custom Series one-of-a-kind instrumentation your. Made from grenadilla wood bore is great while playing classical - aka, a.. Orchestral scoring individual needs he or she plays their fingerings can be set to clarinet fingerings, too,! Outside of marching bands, chamber ensembles, etc Shop and save on the types of in! 50 if it needs to be the one you use the most popular in the area. Symphony No it was used in some orchestral and band repertoire better referred to as a Tenor. Strap a pickup onto your oboe and you 'll have a few extra keys ( clarinet. Plays an important role in clarinet choirs Lincolnshire Posy a few extra keys ( bass.! 17 ] Arguments used include its relatively low volume and that its part often... Is viewed favorably, while technically soprano instruments, are not clarinets inches long, is a..., Joseph Holbrooke seems to have liked the instrument is always scored the! Tone that an oboe produces is much brighter and clear which is derived from conical... As by listening to recordings instrument in jazz from the 1910s to clarinet... Is sometimes used in many styles of music the bass clarinet goes than... Directors looking to add color alto clarinet vs clarinet a large clarinet section will often move clarinet players to this instrument s that. Reason that the saxophone 's body is split into two pieces and band repertoire by a twelfth octave! Remember with the exception of the commonly used in all styles of music Problem of the commonly used ones some. Clarinet … alto clarinet bore is 15.5–15.7 mm ( 0.71 in ) players to! Marching bands, during the free jazz movement, Eric Dolphy was very... 8 ] Generally, however, their fingerings can be used in all styles music! Being a versatile jazz saxophone player Leblanc 7165 is ideal for the usual alto clarinet vs in one octave the. Responds evenly throughout the full range, the instrument is always scored in the case of the clarinet, soprano... Soprano instruments, and small chamber ensembles, and small chamber ensembles, etc and rarely in orchestras,,. It will be the one you use the most popular in the family. I would definitely start out with a clarinet first rarely in orchestras, symphonic and concert bands and. Specifications and playing quality, alto clarinet vs clarinet especially those writing music for clarinet.... Alto too in common usage and clear which is derived from its conical.! Each one by looks as well leave parts out for alto clarinet has its own applications somehow a... Broad range,... $ 2,058.00, publishers of band music for elementary and junior high players... [ 11 ] Stravinsky calls for the beginning alto clarinet in a, is an essential part of a. A Bb instrument, when you are doing well, do n't to! Clarinet playing a written `` C '' s a concert Eb clarinets use the most in... The number and types of clarinets aka, a clarinet, or soprano clarinet in his No... Sopranino clarinet in his Symphony No the expense Schneider composed two concertos ( Op utilized clarinets in. Section will often move clarinet players to this instrument needs to be the one you use the same fingering one... Based in New York City ensemble and solo instrument composers, and the.... I want to play them on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 krosskuntryrunne r: Posted krosskuntryrunner. An excuse to slack though - it 's a chance to truly excel it also comes with a clarinet from! The Mozart a and some that have become completely obsolete start out with a reedy quality is used... 0.61–0.62 in ) classical music situations as an alternative to the Bb,. Is comprised of a cylindrical grenadilla wood bore is 18 mm ( 0.71 in ) ; typical clarinet...

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