From the clarinet d'amour to the contra bass: a history of the large size clarinets, 1740-1860

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. Rice illustrates 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 the instruments' 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 clarinet and its music. This book continues the stories presented in The Baroque Clarinet and The Clarinet in the Classical Period. Now attention is turned to large size clarinets--clarinet d'amour, alto clarinet, basset horn, bass clarinet, contra alto, and contra bass. Each chapter is devoted to a specific instrument or instruments and offers a meticulously researched history and insider's look at terminology, definitions, design features, documentation, makers, composers, musicians, and music. Research illustrates how makers experimented with instruments to address the specific musical needs of composers and players for chamber ensembles, wind bands, and opera orchestras. Brought to life are the people surrounding the instruments--the virtuosi, soloists, and orchestral and band musicians, as well as the instrument makers and composers from F. J. Gossec to Smetana who wrote for them and, the instruments themselves become characters in the story. Based on careful study of primary sources--musical compositions, patents, memoirs diaries, and many historical instruments--the presentation is nothing short of exhaustive. There are black and white photographs, tables, musical examples, and four appendices Contents......Page 10 List of Illustrations......Page 12 Abbreviations, Conventions, Definitions, and Musical Notation......Page 14 Introduction......Page 26 1. Clarinet d’Amour and Alto Clarinet and Their Music......Page 32 2. Basset Horn......Page 118 3. Basset Horn Music......Page 192 4. Bass, Contra Bass, and Contra Alto Clarinets......Page 272 5. Bass Clarinet, Contra Bass, and Contra Alto Music......Page 362 Appendix 1. Extant Clarinets d’Amour, ca. 1740–1850......Page 410 Appendix 2. Extant Alto Clarinets, ca. 1740–1860......Page 417 Appendix 3. Checklist of Extant Basset Horns, ca. 1760–1860......Page 424 Appendix 4. Checklist of Extant Bass Clarinets and Contra Bass Clarinets, ca. 1750–1860......Page 430 Bibliography......Page 434 Index of Instrument Makers and Dealers......Page 472 B......Page 478 C......Page 480 F......Page 481 K......Page 482 M......Page 483 R......Page 484 T......Page 485 Z......Page 486 This is a study of the history and development of six large size clarinets including the clarinet d'amour, alto clarinet, basset horn, and bass clarinet. The majority of extant instruments are described and discussed, along with extant music of the period (1740-1860) Clarinet d'amour and alto clarinet and their music Basset horn Basset horn music Bass clarinet, contra bass and contra alto clarinets Bass clarinet, contra bass, and contra alto music.