Clarinet Family
The clarinet have probably been made in a wider range of sizes and pitches than any other instrument throughout its history. Therefore, it have a very "extended" family. The clarinet family is further split into 6 main subgroups/families. These are the octave clarinets, sopranino clarinets, soprano clarinets, basset horns, alto clarinets, bass clarinets and the contra-bass clarinets. Despite the number of variations that the clarinet have, the most notable and common ones today are the:
These clarinets differ in terms of their base key, with the Bb clarinets playing their C being a concert Bb and the Eb clarinets playing their C being a concert Eb. The different clarinets also are different in their physical appearance, as they are different sizes. The soprano clarinets are generally straight while the alto and bass clarinets are larger (some reaching the ground) and look similalr to a saxophone, with a curved out mouthpiece tube and a flared bell.
These clarinets are the same in multiple ways. First of all, they are the same in terms of their sound mechanics, or the way their sound is produced, and that is through the vibration of the reed across the distinct clarinet mouthpieces (However, the way the air travels in the instrument is different because of the different sizes and set-up). Also, the clarinets are the same in terms of their physical structure. They are similar in the way they are constructed and the material used to construct them (wood, plastic or composite). Their key and hole arrangements are also very similar with each other (Boehm system), and some fingerings between two models, such as the Bb soprano clarinet and the Bb bass clarinet are the same.
- Bb Soprano Clarinet
- A Soprano Clarinet
- Eb Soprano (Some consider it to be Sopranino) Clarinet
- Eb Alto Clarinet
- Bb Bass Clarinet
These clarinets differ in terms of their base key, with the Bb clarinets playing their C being a concert Bb and the Eb clarinets playing their C being a concert Eb. The different clarinets also are different in their physical appearance, as they are different sizes. The soprano clarinets are generally straight while the alto and bass clarinets are larger (some reaching the ground) and look similalr to a saxophone, with a curved out mouthpiece tube and a flared bell.
These clarinets are the same in multiple ways. First of all, they are the same in terms of their sound mechanics, or the way their sound is produced, and that is through the vibration of the reed across the distinct clarinet mouthpieces (However, the way the air travels in the instrument is different because of the different sizes and set-up). Also, the clarinets are the same in terms of their physical structure. They are similar in the way they are constructed and the material used to construct them (wood, plastic or composite). Their key and hole arrangements are also very similar with each other (Boehm system), and some fingerings between two models, such as the Bb soprano clarinet and the Bb bass clarinet are the same.
The Full Clarinet Family:
family.doc | |
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File Type: | doc |