Bass Clarinet: A Brief History
Photo from: royalmusicalinstruments.com
The oldest record of the bass clarinet—or in this case the ancestor to the bass clarinet—dates back to 1772. It was called the base-tube and could play just over 3 octaves (Heaton & Bok 2006). This was used off and on in various ensembles with little success. The single reed and low sound of the horn were difficult to hear amongst the larger ensembles, and thus many directors did not see a great use for the base-tube. In 1838 Adolf Sax modernized the Bass Clarinet (Heaton & Bok, 2006), offering a bigger sound and extended range over five octaves. The initial horn was completely straight like the Bb Clarinet, Sax thought it would be pertinent to reshape the bell to help alleviate some of the volume issues other models faced. During modifications over the next few years, Sax purposefully made the bass clarinet resemble that of the saxophone, hoping to increase appeal and sales (Heaton & Bok 2006). Though the new modifications to the bass clarinet allowed for more volume and a greater range, the symphony orchestra did not really adopt the instrument. The bass clarinet found its instrumental home, for the time being, in the mid-range alto voice of the symphonic band.
Photo: Adolf Sax Bass Clarinet (Left) Taken at Belgian Musical Instrument Museum.
But what about its uses within the solo field? Outside of a few symphonic works, the bass clarinet did not really gain a lot of attention save for a few works until the mid-twentieth century. In the mid-twentieth century we see an interesting thing happen with the bass clarinet; suddenly more people are playing the instrument and even more composers are writing for it. The invention of the T.V. and talking motion pictures (movies) saw the rise of many auxiliary instruments, including the bass and alto flute along with emergence of bass and contrabass clarinet, just to name a few (Payne 2001).
In 1955 Josef Horak gave the first solo bass clarinet recital of its kind. This performance showed composers and musicians alike that the bass clarinet had its own color, flexibility, and independence. Composers did not have to use it solely as a doubler, but could compose complex melodies and countermelodies to further the textures and timbre of the ensemble.
In 1955 Josef Horak gave the first solo bass clarinet recital of its kind. This performance showed composers and musicians alike that the bass clarinet had its own color, flexibility, and independence. Composers did not have to use it solely as a doubler, but could compose complex melodies and countermelodies to further the textures and timbre of the ensemble.
Personal Photo Collection: Frankie Dascola
As of recent times and stemming from the first solo bass clarinet concert in 1955, we see the emergence of small chamber groups that feature the bass clarinet. Whether it is in a duet with bass clarinet and marimba or a bass voice in the clarinet choir, more and more people began writing for the instrument. Other styles also began to incorporate the bass clarinet. Jazz players now double on tenor saxophone as well as bass clarinet, and the new music genre more fully incorporates the bass clarinet sound. Most bass clarinet repertoire can be found under new music, and though the instrument is being utilized in some genres, there is still a gap in the repertoire.
This is where my research comes in! Check out some of the new music on the commissions page, encompassing a range of musical styles to highlight the versatility of these instruments.
This is where my research comes in! Check out some of the new music on the commissions page, encompassing a range of musical styles to highlight the versatility of these instruments.