From the Clarinet D'Amour to the Contra Bass A History of Large Size Clarinets, 1740-1860

by Rice, Albert R.

• ISBN13: 9780195343281
• ISBN10: 019534328X
• eBook ISBN(s): 9780199711178
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-03-31
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• More Book Details

Summary

Following his much-acclaimed The Baroque Clarinet and The Clarinet in the Classical Period, Albert R. Rice now turns his signature detailed attention to large clarinets - the clarinet d'amour, the basset horn, the alto clarinet, bass and contra bass clarinets. Each chapter is devoted to a specific instrument, and offers a fascinating insider's look at its defining characteristics, a comprehensive history of its evolution, meticulously-researched information on its makers and aspects of construction, and a thorough discussion of its music. Riceillustrates how the introduction of large clarinets into chamber ensembles, wind bands, and opera orchestras was the result of experiments meant to address specific musical needs. Along the way, he brings to life the musicians, virtuosi, soloists, and orchestral and band musicians, as well as theinstruments' makers and the composers from J. C. Bach to Smetana who wrote for them. Based on careful study of primary sources - musical compositions, patents, memoirs and diaries, and unfettered access to historical instruments themselves--Rice's expert presentation is nothing short of exhaustive. From the Clarinet d'Amour to the Contrabass will engage all who love the clarinetand its music.

Author Biography

An accomplished clarinetist, Albert R. Rice is also curator of the Fiske Museum of Musical Instruments, Claremont, California, and author of The Baroque Clarinet (OUP, 1992) and The Clarinet in the Classical Period (OUP, 2003).

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations	p. xi
Abbreviations, Conventions, Definitions, and Musical Notation	p. xiii
Introduction	p. 3
Clarinet d'Amour and Alto Clarinet and Their Music	p. 9
Basset Horn	p. 95
Basset Horn Music	p. 169
Bass, Contra Bass, and Contra Alto Clarinets	p. 249
Bass Clarinet, Contra Bass, and Contra Alto Music	p. 339
Extant Clarinets d'Amour, ca. 1740-1850	p. 387
Extant Alto Clarinets, ca. 1740-1860	p. 394
Checklist of Extant Basset Horns, ca. 1760-1860	p. 401
Checklist of Extant Bass Clarinets and Contra Bass Clarinets, ca. 1750-1860	p. 407
Bibliography	p. 411
Index of Instrument Makers and Dealers	p. 449
General Index	p. 455
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