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 player ... More

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, and musical examples. There are four appendices.