![]() ![]() The Bb clarinet is a transposing instrument sounding one whole step lower than written. The following information is specifically regarding the Bb or A clarinet, though the concepts apply to all clarinets. It has four distinct timbral registers, each one quite unique. The clarinet is probably the woodwind that has the most "schizophrenic" personality. Typically there are three to six clarinetists per Bb clarinet part (i.e., 3-6 first Bb clarinets, 3-6 second Bb clarinets, and 3-6 third Bb clarinets), zero to two alto clarinets, one to four bass clarinets, zero to two contra-alto clarinets, and zero to two contrabass clarinets. Note that, like the piccolo in a wind ensemble, there is typically only one Eb clarinet player (though some famous examples to the contrary exist, such as Gustav Holst's First Suite in Eb), who may double on the first Bb clarinet part for music that does not contain an Eb clarinet part. In addition, a work may call for Eb soprano, alto, contra-alto, or Bb contrabass clarinet parts as well. Normally there are at least three separate Bb clarinet parts and a bass clarinet part. The clarinet section is typically the largest section in the ensemble, analogous to the string section of the orchestra. In wind ensemble or concert band writing, the clarinets may be placed either below the oboes or below the bassoons and above the saxophones. Many orchestras also retain a specialist Eb (or D) clarinetist who may double as the third Bb (or A) clarinet in works with larger clarinet sections. The bass clarinetist is usually a specialist position and does not normally double. In an orchestra, it will usually be the lower chair players who double on other clarinets, leaving the principle player in his/her area of expertise on the Bb clarinet, especially if solos are called for in the first clarinet. The Eb (or D) clarinet is placed above the Bb (or A) clarinets, then any lower-pitched clarinets in order of pitch (basset horn, then alto, then bass, etc.) are placed below. In orchestral writing, the clarinet should be placed between the oboes and bassoons. 5.4 Eb contra-alto and Bb contrabass clarinets.
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