The clarinet is a versatile woodwind instrument that belongs to the single-reed family, meaning it uses a reed to produce sound. It is typically made of wood, although some modern clarinets are made from synthetic materials or plastic. The clarinet’s unique timbre and wide range make it a popular choice in orchestras, concert bands, chamber ensembles, and jazz. The clarinet evolved from earlier instruments like the chalumeau, which was a simple single-reed woodwind dating back to the Baroque period. The modern clarinet was developed in the early 18th century by German maker Johann Christoph Denner. Over the years, the instrument was refined, and improvements to the keywork, design, and range expanded its musical capabilities.
Clarinet Types
1. Bb Clarinet
The most commonly used clarinet is the Bb clarinet. It is the standard model found in many orchestras, concert bands, and jazz ensembles. The Bb clarinet has a range of about three and a half octaves, typically from E3 (the E below middle C) to C7, though experienced players can extend this range. It is known for its warm and resonant sound, which can be smooth or bright, depending on the style of playing.
2. A Clarinet
The A clarinet is similar to the Bb clarinet but is pitched slightly lower. It is used primarily in orchestral settings and is favored for its deep, rich tone in the upper register. The A clarinet is more commonly used in classical music, particularly in works by composers such as Mozart and Brahms, who wrote specific parts for this instrument.
3. Eb Clarinet
The Eb clarinet is a smaller, higher-pitched instrument, often used for solo performances or for adding a bright, sharp sound to woodwind ensembles. It is commonly found in orchestral and chamber music, where it plays the higher clarinet parts. The range of the Eb clarinet is similar to the Bb clarinet, though it is higher in pitch.
4. Bass Clarinet
The bass clarinet is a larger, lower-pitched cousin of the Bb clarinet. It has a distinct, deep tone and is frequently used in orchestral music to provide a rich, resonant low end. The bass clarinet’s range extends down to low C (C2), and it is capable of reaching up to G6, making it ideal for both melodic and harmonic support. Its sound is often described as rich, mellow, and somewhat mysterious.
5. Contra-Bass Clarinet
The contra-bass clarinet is the largest member of the clarinet family, with an even deeper tone than the bass clarinet. It is rarely used in standard orchestras but is occasionally featured in avant-garde and contemporary music, as well as in some large wind ensembles. Its range extends to a full four octaves, with the ability to play extremely low notes. The contra-bass clarinet provides an immensely powerful and resonant sound.
6. Piccolo Clarinet
The piccolo clarinet is a tiny, high-pitched clarinet that is tuned to the key of D. It is used in certain specialized settings and is not commonly found in most performances. Its small size and sharp pitch make it a unique addition to the clarinet family, often used for specific effects in solo and chamber works.
Clarinet Range
1. Low register (chalumeau register): This is the range from the lowest note of the clarinet (usually about E3) to F4. It is a warm, rich tone that forms the fundamental part of the clarinet’s sound. The chalumeau register is very stable and resonant.
2. Middle register (clarion register): This range extends from F4 to B5. It is bright and focused, with a smooth, lyrical quality. Many clarinet solos are played in this range.
3. High register (altissimo register): The altissimo register, extending from C6 and beyond, is where the clarinet produces its most piercing and brilliant tones. This range can be challenging to play, requiring precise embouchure and control, but it adds incredible expressive potential to the instrument.
The clarinet’s ability to produce both dark, mellow tones and bright, brilliant ones makes it an incredibly versatile instrument in any musical ensemble. The transitions between registers are also smoother than those of many other woodwind instruments, allowing for seamless melodic lines across a wide range of pitches.
How to Play Clarinet
1. Get the Right Equipment
Before you begin, you need the following items:
A clarinet (Bb clarinet is most common for beginners)
A mouthpiece: Usually made of hard rubber or plastic.
A reed: This is a thin, flat piece of wood that vibrates when air is blown over it. Reeds come in different strengths, and beginners typically start with a soft reed (strength 2 or 2.5).
Ligature: This small device holds the reed securely on the mouthpiece.
Cleaning cloths: To keep your instrument clean and dry.
2. Assemble the Clarinet
To assemble the clarinet:
Attach the barrel to the body of the clarinet, being careful not to twist or damage the tenons (the parts that fit together).
Attach the mouthpiece to the top of the barrel and secure it with the ligature, ensuring the reed is aligned properly.
3. Form a Proper Embouchure
The embouchure refers to the way you position your mouth and lips around the mouthpiece. To form the correct embouchure:
Place the mouthpiece in your mouth, covering the reed with your top teeth and wrapping your bottom lip over your bottom teeth.
The embouchure should be firm but not too tight, allowing the reed to vibrate freely while still maintaining control of the sound.
4. Produce Sound
Start by blowing gently into the mouthpiece. At first, the sound may be faint or even a bit harsh, but with practice, you’ll be able to produce a clean, resonant tone. Experiment with different air speeds and embouchure pressure to refine your sound.
5. Learn Basic Fingerings
The clarinet uses a combination of open and closed finger holes to change the pitch. Learn the basic fingerings for the notes in the low register. The standard notation for clarinet is written in the treble clef, and learning the corresponding fingerings is essential for navigating the instrument’s range.
6. Practice Scales and Exercises
Like all musical instruments, mastering the clarinet requires regular practice. Begin with simple scales (e.g., C major, F major) to build finger coordination and improve your tone. Practice long tones to develop control over your embouchure and breath support.
7. Play Simple Songs
Start with simple, familiar tunes to build your confidence and apply your new skills. As you become more comfortable with the clarinet, you can move on to more complex pieces and begin working on articulation, dynamics, and phrasing.
8. Advanced Techniques
As you advance, you’ll need to master more intricate techniques such as:
Tonguing: This technique involves using your tongue to interrupt the airflow and produce distinct, articulated notes.
Vibrato: A slight variation in pitch, achieved by varying the air pressure, adds expression to your playing.
Altissimo notes: Mastering the high register requires refined control and the right combination of embouchure and air support.
Clarinet Price
1. Beginner Clarinets:
Price: $100 – $500
Description: These clarinets are typically made of plastic or synthetic materials, and they are designed for new players. They offer decent sound quality and durability at an affordable price point.
2. Intermediate Clarinets:
Price: $500 – $2,000
Description: Intermediate-level clarinets are made of higher-quality wood, like grenadilla or rosewood, and provide a more nuanced sound. These are suitable for students who have progressed beyond the beginner stage.
3. Professional Clarinets:
Price: $2,000 – $10,000+
Description: These high-end instruments are made from premium wood and are crafted with precision. Professional clarinets offer excellent tonal quality and tuning stability and are typically used by advanced players or professional musicians.
Clarinet Famous Players
1. Benny Goodman
Often referred to as the “King of Swing,” Benny Goodman is one of the most famous jazz clarinetists of all time. His virtuosity and innovative approach to swing music helped define the genre in the 1930s and 1940s. Goodman’s recordings with his big band are legendary, and he was also a noted classical clarinetist, performing with major orchestras.
2. Artie Shaw
A contemporary of Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw was known for his incredible technical skill and unique interpretations of jazz standards. His clarinet playing was characterized by a smooth, lyrical style, and he was one of the most influential big band leaders during the swing era.
3. Sabine Meyer
A German clarinetist, Sabine Meyer is considered one of the finest classical clarinetists in the world. Her recordings with the Berlin Philharmonic and other prestigious ensembles have earned her international acclaim. Meyer has been instrumental in bringing the clarinet to the forefront of classical music performance.
4. Woody Allen
The famed filmmaker Woody Allen is also a talented clarinetist, performing regularly with his jazz bands. While best known for his films, Allen’s passion for the clarinet and his contributions to the jazz world cannot be understated.
Famous Clarinet Music
1. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K. 622
This concerto is perhaps the most famous work written for the clarinet. It showcases the instrument’s ability to blend lyricism and virtuosity, with a particularly beautiful slow movement.
2. Carl Maria von Weber – Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 73
Weber’s clarinet concerto is a cornerstone of the clarinet repertoire. It is renowned for its challenging technical passages and emotional depth, and it is frequently performed by professional clarinetists.
3. Leonard Bernstein – Prelude, Fugue, and Riffs
This jazz-infused composition by Leonard Bernstein highlights the clarinet’s ability to navigate both classical and jazz idioms. It is a staple of the clarinet jazz repertoire and a favorite among both performers and audiences.
4. Igor Stravinsky – Three Pieces for Clarinet Solo
This 1919 work by Stravinsky demonstrates the clarinet’s potential for both expression and technical complexity. It remains a key piece for clarinetists interested in 20th-century music.
5. Gershwin – Rhapsody in Blue
Though originally written for piano and orchestra, Rhapsody in Blue has become one of the most recognized American jazz-infused orchestral pieces. The clarinet’s famous opening glissando is one of the defining moments of the piece.
