MTU Library Catalogue

Syndetics cover image
Image from Syndetics

From the clarinet d'amour to the contra bass : a history of large size clarinets, 1740-1860 / Albert R. Rice.

By: Rice, Albert R.
Material type: materialTypeLabelBookPublisher: Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2009Description: xxi, 463 p. : ill., music ; 25 cm.ISBN: 9780195343281.Subject(s): Clarinette d'amour -- History | Alto clarinet -- History | Basset horn -- History | Bass clarinet -- History | Contrabass clarinet -- HistoryDDC classification: 788.61909
Contents:
Clarinet d'amour and alto clarinet and their music -- Basset horn -- Basset horn music -- Bass, contra bass, and contra alto clarinets -- Bass clarinet, contra bass, and contra alto music.

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Following his much-acclaimed The Baroque Clarinet and The Clarinet in the Classical Period, Albert R. Rice now turns his signature detailed attention to large clarinets - the clarinet d'amour, the basset horn, the alto clarinet, bass and contra bass clarinets. Each chapter is devoted to a specific instrument, and offers a fascinating insider's look at its defining characteristics, a comprehensive history of its evolution, meticulously-researched information on its makers and aspects of construction, and a thorough discussion of its music. Rice illustrates how the introduction of large clarinets into chamber ensembles, wind bands, and opera orchestras was the result of experiments meant to address specific musical needs. Along the way, he brings to life the musicians, virtuosi, soloists, and orchestral and band musicians, as well as the instruments' makers and the composers from J. C. Bach to Smetana who wrote for them. Based on careful study of primary sources - musical compositions, patents, memoirs and diaries, and unfettered access to historical instruments themselves--Rice's expert presentation is nothing short of exhaustive. From the Clarinet d'Amour to the Contrabass will engage all who love the clarinet and its music.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 411-448) and index.

Clarinet d'amour and alto clarinet and their music -- Basset horn -- Basset horn music -- Bass, contra bass, and contra alto clarinets -- Bass clarinet, contra bass, and contra alto music.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

  • List of Illustrations (p. xi)
  • Abbreviations, Conventions, Definitions, and Musical Notation (p. xiii)
  • Introduction (p. 3)
  • 1 Clarinet d'Amour and Alto Clarinet and Their Music (p. 9)
  • 2 Basset Horn (p. 95)
  • 3 Basset Horn Music (p. 169)
  • 4 Bass, Contra Bass, and Contra Alto Clarinets (p. 249)
  • 5 Bass Clarinet, Contra Bass, and Contra Alto Music (p. 339)
  • Appendix 1 Extant Clarinets d'Amour, ca. 1740-1850 (p. 387)
  • Appendix 2 Extant Alto Clarinets, ca. 1740-1860 (p. 394)
  • Appendix 3 Checklist of Extant Basset Horns, ca. 1760-1860 (p. 401)
  • Appendix 4 Checklist of Extant Bass Clarinets and Contra Bass Clarinets, ca. 1750-1860 (p. 407)
  • Bibliography (p. 411)
  • Index of Instrument Makers and Dealers (p. 449)
  • General Index (p. 455)

Author notes provided by Syndetics

An accomplished clarinetist, Albert R. Rice is also former curator of the Fiske Museum of Musical Instruments, Claremont, California, a professional librarian, and author of The Baroque Clarinet (OUP, 1992) and The Clarinet in the Classical Period (OUP, 2003).