Everyone knows the tongue twister about how Karl stole corals from Klara, and Clara stole the clarinet from Karl. With corals in general, it’s somehow understandable, but not everyone has an idea of what a clarinet is. You need to conduct a study and go on a tour of the history of the creation, sound and description of this interesting musical instrument.
Visually, this is a pipe, or pipe, which is called a clarinet. And yet, what is a clarinet? This is a wind musical instrument with an unusual sound. But where did he come from and who was able to create this masterpiece? To get an answer to this question, you need a little time travel.
Clarinet History
Clarinet takes its beginning in the late XVII - early XVIII century. Nuremberg music master Johann Christoph Denner worked hard on this instrument. In fact, the master tried to improve the design of the shalyumo (pipe). In 1701, a bell appeared in the new shalyumo. Outwardly, the novelty resembled a bell of a clarion pipe. By the way, the sound also became similar to this instrument, the name of which came from the Latin word clarus - “clear”. It became obvious that this is a completely different, new musical instrument. Thanks to these forms, the outlandish instrument was called clarinetto. It is an Italian name that means “little clarino”. They began to call the musical instrument “a small trumpet”, and the very name “clarinet” is a diminutive of clarion.
As soon as the clarinet is not perfected! I would like to give a special place to Jacob Denner, it was thanks to his efforts that the clarinet was equipped with another valve. This is not all that Jacob Denner did.
Just two valves? No, clarinet improvements didn’t end there. Inspired by improvement, talented musicians sought more global change, and more valves appeared. And only in 1790 the clarinet appeared the last sixth valve. Highbrow men decided to stop for a while. But in the 19th century, what was used only on flute was adapted to clarinet - this is a whole system of ring valves.
If you list everyone who had a hand in this amazing musical instrument, there will be famous people on the list. Among them are such bright minds as Bertold Fritz, Eugene Albert, Xavier Lefebvre, Karl Berman and even Adolf Sachs.
Based on historical data, we can give a clear answer to the question of what a clarinet is. This is an improved old French flute, which has almost 20 valves, springs, many screws, axles and even rods. But the evolution of clarinets continues to this day.
The uniqueness of this instrument is visible at the very moment when the case with it opens, and at this moment it is worth diving into the anatomy of this masterpiece.
Mouthpiece
What it is? In appearance, the mouthpiece looks like a bird's beak. Its device deserves special attention, because this element plays an important role in the sound of the instrument. It has a bend or recess. The mouthpiece is taken in the mouth in order to breathe air into it. And this very sound is affected by everything:
- the distance from the top of the mouthpiece to the end of the cane;
- the notch, or rather its length;
- the angle at which the mouthpiece is tilted.
But not only the mouthpiece gives the instrument such a sound.
Barrel
If you look at the clarinet, the question arises: what kind of a small barrel is it on it? This barrel is responsible for tuning the clarinet. Thanks to him, the structure of the instrument changes. Changes occur up to a quarter tone. To do this, before starting the game, the barrel is slightly extended or, conversely, the barrel is pushed into the body. There are no valves on it, but the name of the manufacturer is present, which undoubtedly makes the instrument more elegant and attractive visually.
Cane
This part of the instrument is also called a tongue - a thin narrow plate that produces sound. This part of the clarinet is made of reeds, but not from the one that can be seen by the river or lake, but from a special one. Unfortunately, the canes wear out quickly. After all, the reed fibers are not oak. If you play music every day for just 1 hour, after 3 weeks there will be a need for a new cane. The more air is blown in, the faster wear occurs.
Lower knee
The largest part of the clarinet can rightfully be considered the lower knee. On the right side are valves that are made of metal. There is also a cork ring, which can be found below. There is a jumper on the lower knee to connect the lower and upper knee.
Upper knee
Also a curious thing. Unlike the lower knee, the valves are located on the opposite, left side. The upper knee is smaller than the lower. But the differences do not end there. If there is one cork connection on the lower knee, then there are two. They were called just like a living thing - tendons.
To get a beautiful melody, your fingers hastily or slowly lower, closing, and rise, opening the holes that are located on the body of the musical instrument.
By the way, if we talk about holes, then on the front side we can see six of them, and on the back one more is clearly visible. Total seven. But there is still. Valves are used for the remaining holes. This is a whole valve mechanism, which is the connection between the screws, axles and the rest of the tool. This system is quite complex, and it’s very difficult to figure it out.
Trumpet
The bell has the shape of a funnel or bell. When a clarinet plays, it looks more like a trumpet than a flute. From a number of winds, the clarinet is more mobile, but still inferior to the flute. Although, like the flute, the clarinet is held straight down the bell.
Jacob Denner nicely worked on this invention, because it is the socket that gives more accuracy. It is especially striking how on the clarinet sounds the notes of the E octave. But this is the lowest note! It is possible to achieve it only thanks to the bell. Although the clarinet is also a virtuoso instrument, it does not quite reach the swiftness and airiness of the flute. Nevertheless, when the clarinet is playing, the songs are perceived brighter and the images appear more distinctly.
Clarinet sound
When the clarinet sounds in the hall, the music takes you to such a distance that these impressions will never be forgotten. It seems that he can do everything, regardless of whether he sounds independently or in tandem. This wooden instrument masterly and grandly creates something secret, gloomy, as if in a thick fog lies in danger. And here the heart begins to beat with alarm. From the angry piercing exclamation of this instrument, you can jump in place and plunge into the various emotions conveyed by the musician. Having different tones, the clarinet simply magically conveys the human voice and even pronounced laughter, it seems that someone is talking to you, complaining or crying, exulting or sighing. And all this charm is divided into several registers. And each register has its own timbre. Either soft flying bliss, or sparkling expression. What the clarinet is not capable of! This and a barely audible singing, light as a breeze, and a strong juicy colorful sound. And all this is a clarinet. A photo of this instrument is not able to convey all the grace that it is capable of.
Clarinet's Way to the Orchestra
One can safely say that now the clarinet in the orchestra is indispensable. At first, clarinet as an orchestra instrument was treated with distrust and apprehension. But sympathy for him grew over time. And for the clarinet, they began to write many works that gave a fresh twist and unusual coloring. In the middle of the 18th century, the clarinet sounded very appropriate in choirs, where they sing military songs and play appropriate music. And the composer from warm Italy, Gregorio Chiroli, in 1770 wrote a rather sweet sonata for this interesting instrument. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Haydn - this is who helped the clarinet to firmly take not the worst positions as a full-fledged bright instrument.
Mozart decided on a courageous step, when he dared to use the clarinet in one church work. He also wrote one of the best in the repertoire of this unique instrument, and in his entire history of concerts - this is a concert for clarinet and orchestra. And in autumn Prague, the work was a stunning success.
Approached the end of 1791. Soon the clarinet became more visible and attracted more and more attention of composers. Wherever its sound was found: Wagner, Beethoven, Weber, Mendelssohn, Schubert, Tchaikovsky, Berlioz and many other composers did not ignore the clarinet. Liszt used this singing musical instrument in his symphonic poems. One gets the impression that the clarinet is an instrument that you simply cannot do without if you want to express the fullness and brightness of your feelings in music.
In Munich, Karl Maria Von Weber dared to use the clarinet as a solo instrument. This event happened in March 1811. Success was predetermined. Inspired by such success, Weber immediately, in the same year, wrote two more concerts for clarinet. Now the brass band would not be so bright and juicy without clarinets.
Making music and types of clarinets
How are the works for clarinet written? As with all other musical instruments, with the help of notes and, of course, inspiration. In the Fa key, notes for clarinet are not written. And written in the key Sol. Only in this way, and it cannot be otherwise. After all, they tried it differently. It turned out somewhat embarrassing. If we analyze the sounds that are higher for the third octave, then the more the sound tends to go up, the more difficult it becomes and is heard sharper. It should be noted that in piano you can well feel the not-so-pure sound of the G sharp stage and A la stage. But then, when the music in the orchestra goes to forte, the listener will not notice it at all. Permanent registration in the orchestra received such steps as B flat and all other octaves until the fourth. Depending on what kind of sound is needed, the clarinet in A, in B, in C, in Es is used. Less commonly used are double bass and basset clarinet.
So what is clarinet? This is an unforgettable experience of listening to music and the feeling of flying and happiness after a concert.