clarinetto basso

: a large clarinet that is lower in pitch by an octave than the ordinary B-flat clarinet.

Uses. The bass clarinet has been regularly used in scoring for orchestra and concert band since the mid-19th century, becoming more common during the middle and latter part of the 20th century. A bass clarinet is not always called for in orchestra music, but is almost always called for in concert band music.

To play, the reed is placed on the lower lip, which is pressed against the lower teeth while the upper teeth grip the mouthpiece on the closed side. When blowing the clarinet, the reed is controlled and set in motion by means of lip pressure, air pressure and the points of contact between the reed and the lower lip.

That sounds like a b-flat. In order to get more work in orchestras.

It is larger than a soprano clarinet (the most common type of clarinet) and produces lower notes, but the bass clarinet is played just like a clarinet, with many keys operated by the player's left and right hands. The reed that vibrates to produce sounds is somewhat larger than that of a clarinet.

The name clarinet derives from clarino, the Italian name for an historical trumpet that is also called “clarion” in English. Clarinet means “small clarion/clarion” or “small trumpet.”

Bass clarinets have also existed in other keys, notably C and A, but are very rare (in contrast to the regular A clarinet, which is quite common in classical music). Most average bass clarinets can play down to a low Eb, while some may have an extension, allowing them to play to a very low C.

Larger and differently shaped than the standard clarinets, the bass clarinet has a darker timbre that composers often exploit for expressions of gloom and doom, as Mahler does in his Sixth Symphony.

Instrument Overview The bass clarinet is a member of the woodwind instrument family. It is larger than a soprano clarinet (the most common type of clarinet) and produces lower notes, but the bass clarinet is played just like a clarinet, with many keys operated by the player's left and right hands.

The bass clarinet is a member of the woodwind instrument family. It is larger than a soprano clarinet (the most common type of clarinet) and produces lower notes, but the bass clarinet is played just like a clarinet, with many keys operated by the player's left and right hands.

The Bass Clarinet is much easier to play in tune than the Eb clarinet (assuming both are in good condition) but more difficult than the Bb. Most of the difficulty comes from the different tessituras that the instruments sit in.

Is bass clarinet harder than clarinet? Many people believe that the bass version is easier than the soprano clarinet. The keys are larger, which means the fingers are less cramped than they would be on the soprano clarinet. The two instruments have mostly the same fingerings.