The New Extended Working Range for Clarinet

Description

Clarinet in Bb — On August 8, 1943, I began assembling the many fingerings that I accumulated infive years of study with Ralph Maclean and have continued collecting them ever since.Recalling that memorable date was not difficult, since that was the day Mr. Maclean leftNew York City for his new position as principal clarinetist with Eugene Ormandy and thePhiladelphia Orchestra. He also assumed the position of Professor of Clarinet at the CurtisInstitute of Music.Many fingerings appropriate for one clarinet (good intonation coupled with goodsound and resistance) may hardly work on another. Carefully check the following fingeringsand choose those compatible with your instrument. Be aware that the fingerings you chosefor your principal B≤ clarinet may or may not be acceptable for use on your A clarinet. Thenagain, you may have to choose a few other fingerings for your spare B≤ clarinet so that italso has the right resistance, intonation and “color” you desire. Often, you will find slightalterations in fingerings from clarinet to clarinet a necessity.That having been said, perhaps the best approach should travel along these lines:begin with the establishment of the basic chromatic-scale fingerings you plan to use andfill in from that point. Check the twelfths, octaves and fifths for resistance, intonation andtimbre. Get set on your principal B≤ clarinet first, then move to the A clarinet and finish withyour spare B≤ and on to the E≤ clarinet. All of the above may be mildly or severely affectedby the mouthpiece, barrel, reed and clarinet used. By all means, work with your tuner asyou select appropriate fingerings.The set of fingerings to be used for the basic chromatic scale are those founddirectly beneath the sta ff of each note from page s 5 through 32.Those are the fundamental fingerings for the ascending and descending forms of the chromaticscale and are compiled in the Addendum beginning on page 33. Known as one of the world's leading clarinet pedagogues, Opperman brings players his encyclopedic knowledge of fingerings. This work is a comprehensive fingering guide that covers fingerings from Chalumeau (Low E) to Altissimo Superieur (G). Opperman offers the reader easy to read diagrams for finger placement that makes it easy to learn. A great resource for all clarinet players!