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Clarinet and Bass Clarinet
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 HistoryThe first type of clarinet was seen in ancient Greece, Persia, and India. It was a cylindrical pipe with a single reed. The Celts had a similar instrument made of animal bone with seven finger holes. The chalumeau was developed by the 16th century. It had eight finger holes and two keys. This instrument became popular in Europe and was used in orchestras. John Christopher Denner modified the instrument in the late 1600's by adding a special key. It was also made in multiple parts. The instrument was originally named the clarionet when this new chalumeau took the place of the clarion. The clarion was a type of trumpet that sounded similar. The clarionet only had one key. This made it difficult to play in tune in different key signatures. Extra joints which fit on the end were made to change the key of the instrument itself. This let to the development of clarinets in different keys. The bass clarinet was constructed by Gresner of Dresden in 1793. New models were produced with the addition of more keys. The improvements of the clarinet were also applied to the bass clarinet. More keys were added during the 18th century. The Boehm system of keys was added to the clarinet in the 1840's. This is still used today. Top
DescriptionThe clarinet is 2 feet 2.25 inches long. It is in the key of B flat. The bass clarinet is 4 feet 6.25 inches long. It is one octave below the clarinet. Both have a cylindrical bore and are made of grenadilla wood or African blackwood. The clarinet is very versatile in the orchestra. This is from the three very distinctive
ranges it can produce. The lowest register
is rich and hollow in sound. The middle register is smooth sounding. The upper register sounds
thin and shrill. The bass clarinet has the similar versatility in lower registers.
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Sound ProductionSound is produced by a single reed on a mouthpiece. The player drawing the lips between the teeth into the mouth. The reed is against the lower lip. The air is forced in at a high rate of pressure. The reed vibrates and sets the column of air in motion. The reed is usually natural cane, but plastic or fiberglass has been used. The mouthpiece is of wood or ebonite. The reed is held to the mouthpiece by a metal ligature. The notes are produced by changing the length of the tube. This is accomplished through the use of keys. An open key permits air to escape the tube. A depressed key causes the air to continue through the tubing. This lengthens the air column.
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