Cool Clarinet Playing

What makes clarinet playing so addictive to listen to? It seems that this instrument simply works in so many different styles of music. It has a large range and many virtuoso qualities, as demonstrated by such greats as Johann Stadler, Benny Goodman and Jack Brymer (just to name a few).

This instrument has been playable in all keys since 1843, thanks to Klose having further developed the clarinet using Boehm’s flute key system.

There are clarinets in C, Bb and A, although the C clarinet (non-transposing) is not used as often. Bb and A clarinets (transposing instruments) sound a major second and a minor third lower than their written notes respectively.

High Eb and D clarinets are used in military bands, although the latter is not used nearly as frequently. Other types of clarinets include alto and bass clarinets, the latter being first produced in the year 1772. A key figure in the bass clarinet’s development was Adolphe Sax.

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