Clarinets

CLARINETS

The most commonly used clarinet is in Bb. Sometimes we choose clarinet in A to accomodate for keys with many sharps.

Produces a sound that is warm, dark and rich as well as characteristically hollow. The warm, full quality of this register contrasts the upper registers nicely, blending well while providing added body to an ensemble.

Produces a weaker, pale and somewhat unrefined tone. As players become more proficient with the instrument, they are able to compensate for the difference between the throat tones and the other registers. Be especially cautious with written G#, A, and Bb in the staff.

Switching from Throat Tones to the Clarino register is particularly challenging for beginning and mid-level players. Don’t alternate notes between these ranges too often

Well-focused, clear and can be quite brilliant. This range is used frequently due to its clarity, projection and characteristic tone quality.
Like the flute and oboe, the tone quality in the highest register tends to lose the instrument's unique characteristics.

The dynamic capabilities of the clarinet is the most extensive of all the woodwinds. The professional clarinetist is capable of producing dynamics from pianissimo to fortissimo throughout its entire range. It can achieve a range from nearly inaudible to highly piercing.
Quick response to extreme dynamic changes is excellent.
When considering projection, attention should be given to the less-successful throat tones.

Excellent agility.
Scale-like passages, chromatic runs, glissandos and arpeggiated figures are idiomatic and very effective.
Wide range.
Skips from one register to another aren't particularly problematic.
Smooth legatos are especially idiomatic for the instrument.
Single tonguing is characteristic for the clarinet.
Double, triple and flutter tonguings are all possible, although much more limited than double-reed instruments.
The staccato on the clarinet is not as clearly defined
In the highest register, tremolos involving smaller er intervals are slightly easier.
There is a tendency for intonation problems in the highest register.
Vibrato is not a standard performance feature for most clarinetists. However, popular and jazz styles may employ its use.

Extends the range of the clarinet family over an octave lower than the clarinet in Bb.
Some bass clarinets are equipped with extra keys making the low written D, D6 and C below E6 possible.
Chalumeau register is rich, dark, resonant and characteristically woody. This range can be effective for comic or sinister effects, or as a haunting melodic instrument.
Throat Tones have better projection than the higher clarinets. However, the same considerations and problems that exist with the throat tones on the other clarinets also apply to the bass clarinet. This register becomes progressively clearer and brighter as it ascends.
The Clarino register is windy, tense and strained with a less-characteristic quality than the lower registers. In this range, the tone color loses its round, woody characteristic. This register is best covered by instruments better-suited for the range - but can be effective in bass clarinet to avoid excessive switching of instruments.

Bass Clarinet is less agile and slower speaking than the other clarinets but is still capable of considerable flexibility. Extreme technical demands should be avoided.
It shares the other clarinets' incredible dynamic control and flexibility.
The instrument's rich, resonant quality is strongest in the bottom octave up to about middle C.
The bass clarinet is capable of producing very successful sforzando and staccato attacks.
The second or third clarinets may double on the bass clarinet in an ensemble. In this case, the two parts are played by the same person if both instruments are not needed at the same time.
The baritone saxophonist would double on the bass clarinet in a saxophone section.
Sufficient time should be given in a passage for the player to switch from one instrument to the other.
The middle and lower registers provide the strength necessary to double practically any tenor or bass line in the low brass, woodwinds or strings. This range also provides a valuable and unique solo voice.