The Clarinet

History

Single reed instruments have existed since medieval times, but the modern clarinet is derived from a baroque-era instrument called the chalumeau. The chalumeau was similar to the recorder, but had a single reed like the clarinet. The range of notes was limited however, and around 1700 one of the keys was modified to become a 'register key' (a key that raises the register of the notes so that higher octaves can be played) and thus the first clarinet was born. As the clarinet gradually improved, it was incorporated into the orchestra, and composers (Mozart especially) wrote many works for the instrument.

Note Production

The clarinet is a single reed instrument. Unlike the oboe and bassoon where two reeds vibrate together, a single reed produces sound by the reed and mouthpiece vibrating together. Just like the other members of the woodwind family, the length of the resonating chamber, and in turn the pitch of the notes, is altered with the use of keys along the body of the instrument. Embouchure again plays an important role in note production.

The key system on the clarinet is directly inspired by, but is not the same as, the Boehm System, invented for use on flutes. This system is now standard, and is used almost everywhere in the world (notably except Germany and Austria, who use the Oehler System).

Construction

The clarinet has several parts, connected together by cork covered joints called tenons. There is the mouthpiece, which is attached to the reed with a metal band called the ligature. Next there is the barrel, which can be (and often is) swapped out for aftermarket models of slightly different shapes and lengths that slightly adjust the tuning of the instrument. The barrel is connected to the upper joint, and this to the lower joint. The upper and lower joints are where the keywork is found. The clarinet, like the oboe and bassoon, ends with the bell.

Playing Techniques

The clarinet is a very agile instrument, but is hampered slightly by the complexity of its keywork, and therefore difficulty of fingering.

The previously mentioned techniques for the other woodwinds are all still relevant here. The clarinet is better suited to particular techniques than the double reed instruments, pitch-bending can be used as an example. Relatively large pitch alterations can be made downwards, but only small intervals upwards. This technique is accomplished with alteration to embouchure.

Some techniques employed by modern composers include placing the teeth on the reed, removing the barrel and upper joint entirely, and playing without the mouthpiece using flute or trumpet embouchure.