Short Synopsis on the Bass Clarinet
Petit précis de clarinette basse
Expected to ship in 1-2 weeks.
- Editor: Michel Pellegrino
- Instrumentation: Bass Clarinet
- ISMN:
- Size: 9.0 x 12.0 inches
- Pages: 24
Description
The bass clarinet, very popular in today's music, is a highly difficult instrument to master - it is not always easy to handle, even if you already play another similar instrument, such as the soprano clarinet or saxophone (often musicians who play the tenor saxophone are attracted to the bass clarinet for reasons of tessitura and tone).
Coming from these instruments, people often think that they will adapt to the instrument automatically and that fluency will come by playing. However, the bass clarinet is not a "byproduct" but an instrument in its own right, which is demanding, in particular with respect to the embouchure and air column which are very different from the soprano clarinet or the saxophone.
We have put together a few exercises that are specific to this instrument, to help master its tessitura and its registers, as well as a few tips in order to facilitate initial contact with the instrument and to help overcome any difficulties inherent to the bass clarinet.
In addition to advice on the equipment and materials that you can use, you will find a description of the most commonly used techniques and effects (such as slap tongue or growl), and to finish off, a few pieces of music in different styles to perfect your playing and apply the principles we have presented you.
Learning to play the bass clarinet can be highly unrewarding at the beginning and the feeling of total mastery is only achieved several months after the first notes have been played. It is therefore necessary to work carefully on a few precise points right from the start, and on a very regular basis, because only a very frequent contact with the instrument will enable you to reach the point where you can play in a comfortable and relaxed manner.
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
Orchestral Parts
Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
For ensemble music, this indicates that there are separate individual parts for each player.
Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Short Synopsis on the Bass Clarinet
