Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Clarinet

2009-12-14T00:57:42Z

Dune: /* Parts of the Clarinet */

[[Image:Clarinet_1.gif|thumb|A Standard Clarinet.]]
The '''clarinet''' is a [[woodwind]] instrument. It consists of a long cylindrical tube which opens to a bell at the bottom. The mouthpiece holds a single reed made from [[cane]].

The clarinet is an important instrument in both classical music and traditional jazz, although it began to be abandoned in jazz in favor of the [[saxophone]] from the [[swing]] era onwards.

==The Clarinet Family==
Clarinets are [[transposing instrument]]s, and are made in several keys, some of which are quite rare. The most common key is B{{music|b}}. The B{{music|b}} clarinet is about {{cm|60}} long and has a range of three octaves, although it is possible to play higher. A clarinet in the key of A, slightly longer than the B{{music|b}} clarinet and pitched a half-step lower, is often used in orchestral playing. Clarinets are also made in the key of E{{music|b}}, pitched a fourth higher than the common B{{music|b}} clarinet, and even in D, although this instrument has become uncommon.

The bass clarinet, usually pitched in B{{music|b}}, has a tube twice as long as that of a standard clarinet; because of its unwieldy length, it doubles back on itself with the bell pointing upwards at the bottom, and can only be played while sitting down. The clarinet family even includes an enormous contrabass clarinet, pitched in either of two keys: B{{music|b}} or E{{music|b}}, there were some folded all metal contra-bass clarinets that were pitched in F(rare and practically useless). This instrument is most often found in large orchestras, wind ensembles, or concert bands.

==Parts of the Clarinet==
The shafts of the most sought-after clarinets are sculpted from hard, dark, African wood, traditionally grenadilla or M'Pinga. Other models are constructed from South American woods, rosewood or cocbolo. These woods are very hard and hold a high polish well. However, some cheap clarinets are made out of plastic, particularly those used by students learning to play in school. These students are generally encouraged to "move on up" to hardwood once it becomes clear that they are serious about playing.

Some mid-18th-century clarinets were made of metal, in the mid 20th century it was popular for [[marching bands]] to practice with but are due to poor quality of sound rarely used anymore with advent of plastic clarinets, and still today some Contrabass clarinets are as well.

The B{{music|b}} clarinet is made of 7 main parts:
*The '''Mouthpiece''' is where the musician blows to cause the reed to vibrate.
*The '''Reed''' vibrates against the mouthpiece to set up vibrations within the instrument.
*The '''Ligature''' holds the reed in place on the mouthpiece. (European clarinets do not use ligatures, rather the reed is held in place with wound string.)
*The '''Tuning barrel''' is used to make fine adjustments to the tuning of individual instruments to counteract changes in pitch caused by moisture and temperature.
*The '''Upper joint''' contains roughly half of the keys.
*The '''Lower joint''' contains the other half of the keys.
*The '''Bell''' improves the sound and projection of the instrument.

These parts all fit together via greased cork-lined joints. The tuning of the instrument is adjusted by sliding the mouthpiece (or the barrel) toward or away from the body. Generally speaking, it's easier to lip a pitch up rather than down, so in tricky passages, pulling out leads to greater control for longer durations.

==History==
The clarinet was first heard in the late [[Baroque period (music)|Baroque period]], however W.A. [[Mozart]] was the first to feature the instrument in works still known today. His Clarinet Quintet and Clarinet Concerto are two of the most popular works in all music. [[Carl Maria von Weber]], in the early 19th century, was the first to write an extensive body of works for the clarinet, with concertos and a concertina; and various [[Chamber music|chamber]] pieces. The Swedish master, Crusell, at about this time, was writing a number of clarinet works, both orchestral and chamber, that had a lot of popularity but have languished in recent years. Through much of the 19th century the clarinet seemed to vanish as a feature instrument in works still popular, although it was used extensively in wind ensembles; and had become a necessary part of the orchestra.

In 1891 [[Johannes Brahms]] was enraptured by the playing of the clarinetist, Richard Mühlfeld at a concert and came out of retirement to write his Clarinet Trio (Op. 114), Quintet (Op. 115) and the two Clarinet Sonatas (Op. 120). These are ranked with Mozart’s as high points for the instrument.

The 20th century gave us major concertos by the Dane, [[Carl Nielsen]]; the Englishman, Gerald Finzi; and the American [[Aaron Copland]] (a commission from Benny Goodman). Sir Malcolm Arnold, the English composer who died in 2006, wrote numerous works for the clarinet as a solo instrument, as a feature in ensembles and with orchestra. Though classical they have many [[jazz]] elements in them.

The clarinet’s “party-piece” is the opening “slide” (technically called a [[glissando]]) in [[George Gershwin|Gershwin’s]]
"[[Rhapsody in Blue]]”.

[[Category:Wind Instruments]]

Clarinet

2009-12-14T00:57:18Z

Dune: /* Parts of the Clarinet */

[[Image:Clarinet_1.gif|thumb|A Standard Clarinet.]]
The '''clarinet''' is a [[woodwind]] instrument. It consists of a long cylindrical tube which opens to a bell at the bottom. The mouthpiece holds a single reed made from [[cane]].

The clarinet is an important instrument in both classical music and traditional jazz, although it began to be abandoned in jazz in favor of the [[saxophone]] from the [[swing]] era onwards.

==The Clarinet Family==
Clarinets are [[transposing instrument]]s, and are made in several keys, some of which are quite rare. The most common key is B{{music|b}}. The B{{music|b}} clarinet is about {{cm|60}} long and has a range of three octaves, although it is possible to play higher. A clarinet in the key of A, slightly longer than the B{{music|b}} clarinet and pitched a half-step lower, is often used in orchestral playing. Clarinets are also made in the key of E{{music|b}}, pitched a fourth higher than the common B{{music|b}} clarinet, and even in D, although this instrument has become uncommon.

The bass clarinet, usually pitched in B{{music|b}}, has a tube twice as long as that of a standard clarinet; because of its unwieldy length, it doubles back on itself with the bell pointing upwards at the bottom, and can only be played while sitting down. The clarinet family even includes an enormous contrabass clarinet, pitched in either of two keys: B{{music|b}} or E{{music|b}}, there were some folded all metal contra-bass clarinets that were pitched in F(rare and practically useless). This instrument is most often found in large orchestras, wind ensembles, or concert bands.

==Parts of the Clarinet==
The shafts of the most sought-after clarinets are sculpted from hard, dark, African wood, traditionally grenadilla or M'Pinga. Other models are constructed from South American woods, rosewood or cocbolo. These woods are very hard and hold a high polish well. However, some cheap clarinets are made out of plastic, particularly those used by students learning to play in school. These students are generally encouraged to "move on up" to hardwood once it becomes clear that they are serious about playing.

Some mid-18th-century clarinets were made of metal in the mid 20th century it was popular for [[marching bands]] to practice with but are due to poor quality of sound rarely used anymore with advent of plastic clarinets, and still today some Contrabass clarinets are as well.

The B{{music|b}} clarinet is made of 7 main parts:
*The '''Mouthpiece''' is where the musician blows to cause the reed to vibrate.
*The '''Reed''' vibrates against the mouthpiece to set up vibrations within the instrument.
*The '''Ligature''' holds the reed in place on the mouthpiece. (European clarinets do not use ligatures, rather the reed is held in place with wound string.)
*The '''Tuning barrel''' is used to make fine adjustments to the tuning of individual instruments to counteract changes in pitch caused by moisture and temperature.
*The '''Upper joint''' contains roughly half of the keys.
*The '''Lower joint''' contains the other half of the keys.
*The '''Bell''' improves the sound and projection of the instrument.

These parts all fit together via greased cork-lined joints. The tuning of the instrument is adjusted by sliding the mouthpiece (or the barrel) toward or away from the body. Generally speaking, it's easier to lip a pitch up rather than down, so in tricky passages, pulling out leads to greater control for longer durations.

==History==
The clarinet was first heard in the late [[Baroque period (music)|Baroque period]], however W.A. [[Mozart]] was the first to feature the instrument in works still known today. His Clarinet Quintet and Clarinet Concerto are two of the most popular works in all music. [[Carl Maria von Weber]], in the early 19th century, was the first to write an extensive body of works for the clarinet, with concertos and a concertina; and various [[Chamber music|chamber]] pieces. The Swedish master, Crusell, at about this time, was writing a number of clarinet works, both orchestral and chamber, that had a lot of popularity but have languished in recent years. Through much of the 19th century the clarinet seemed to vanish as a feature instrument in works still popular, although it was used extensively in wind ensembles; and had become a necessary part of the orchestra.

In 1891 [[Johannes Brahms]] was enraptured by the playing of the clarinetist, Richard Mühlfeld at a concert and came out of retirement to write his Clarinet Trio (Op. 114), Quintet (Op. 115) and the two Clarinet Sonatas (Op. 120). These are ranked with Mozart’s as high points for the instrument.

The 20th century gave us major concertos by the Dane, [[Carl Nielsen]]; the Englishman, Gerald Finzi; and the American [[Aaron Copland]] (a commission from Benny Goodman). Sir Malcolm Arnold, the English composer who died in 2006, wrote numerous works for the clarinet as a solo instrument, as a feature in ensembles and with orchestra. Though classical they have many [[jazz]] elements in them.

The clarinet’s “party-piece” is the opening “slide” (technically called a [[glissando]]) in [[George Gershwin|Gershwin’s]]
"[[Rhapsody in Blue]]”.

[[Category:Wind Instruments]]

Clarinet

2009-12-14T00:53:29Z

Dune: /* Parts of the Clarinet */

[[Image:Clarinet_1.gif|thumb|A Standard Clarinet.]]
The '''clarinet''' is a [[woodwind]] instrument. It consists of a long cylindrical tube which opens to a bell at the bottom. The mouthpiece holds a single reed made from [[cane]].

The clarinet is an important instrument in both classical music and traditional jazz, although it began to be abandoned in jazz in favor of the [[saxophone]] from the [[swing]] era onwards.

==The Clarinet Family==
Clarinets are [[transposing instrument]]s, and are made in several keys, some of which are quite rare. The most common key is B{{music|b}}. The B{{music|b}} clarinet is about {{cm|60}} long and has a range of three octaves, although it is possible to play higher. A clarinet in the key of A, slightly longer than the B{{music|b}} clarinet and pitched a half-step lower, is often used in orchestral playing. Clarinets are also made in the key of E{{music|b}}, pitched a fourth higher than the common B{{music|b}} clarinet, and even in D, although this instrument has become uncommon.

The bass clarinet, usually pitched in B{{music|b}}, has a tube twice as long as that of a standard clarinet; because of its unwieldy length, it doubles back on itself with the bell pointing upwards at the bottom, and can only be played while sitting down. The clarinet family even includes an enormous contrabass clarinet, pitched in either of two keys: B{{music|b}} or E{{music|b}}, there were some folded all metal contra-bass clarinets that were pitched in F(rare and practically useless). This instrument is most often found in large orchestras, wind ensembles, or concert bands.

==Parts of the Clarinet==
The shafts of the most sought-after clarinets are sculpted from hard, dark, African wood, traditionally grenadilla or M'Pinga. Other models are constructed from South American woods, rosewood or cocbolo. These woods are very hard and hold a high polish well. However, some cheap clarinets are made out of plastic, particularly those used by students learning to play in school. These students are generally encouraged to "move on up" to hardwood once it becomes clear that they are serious about playing.

Some mid-18th-century clarinets were made of metal, and still today some Contrabass clarinets are as well.

The B{{music|b}} clarinet is made of 7 main parts:
*The '''Mouthpiece''' is where the musician blows to cause the reed to vibrate.
*The '''Reed''' vibrates against the mouthpiece to set up vibrations within the instrument.
*The '''Ligature''' holds the reed in place on the mouthpiece. (European clarinets do not use ligatures, rather the reed is held in place with wound string.)
*The '''Tuning barrel''' is used to make fine adjustments to the tuning of individual instruments to counteract changes in pitch caused by moisture and temperature.
*The '''Upper joint''' contains roughly half of the keys.
*The '''Lower joint''' contains the other half of the keys.
*The '''Bell''' improves the sound and projection of the instrument.

These parts all fit together via greased cork-lined joints. The tuning of the instrument is adjusted by sliding the mouthpiece (or the barrel) toward or away from the body. Generally speaking, it's easier to lip a pitch up rather than down, so in tricky passages, pulling out leads to greater control for longer durations.

==History==
The clarinet was first heard in the late [[Baroque period (music)|Baroque period]], however W.A. [[Mozart]] was the first to feature the instrument in works still known today. His Clarinet Quintet and Clarinet Concerto are two of the most popular works in all music. [[Carl Maria von Weber]], in the early 19th century, was the first to write an extensive body of works for the clarinet, with concertos and a concertina; and various [[Chamber music|chamber]] pieces. The Swedish master, Crusell, at about this time, was writing a number of clarinet works, both orchestral and chamber, that had a lot of popularity but have languished in recent years. Through much of the 19th century the clarinet seemed to vanish as a feature instrument in works still popular, although it was used extensively in wind ensembles; and had become a necessary part of the orchestra.

In 1891 [[Johannes Brahms]] was enraptured by the playing of the clarinetist, Richard Mühlfeld at a concert and came out of retirement to write his Clarinet Trio (Op. 114), Quintet (Op. 115) and the two Clarinet Sonatas (Op. 120). These are ranked with Mozart’s as high points for the instrument.

The 20th century gave us major concertos by the Dane, [[Carl Nielsen]]; the Englishman, Gerald Finzi; and the American [[Aaron Copland]] (a commission from Benny Goodman). Sir Malcolm Arnold, the English composer who died in 2006, wrote numerous works for the clarinet as a solo instrument, as a feature in ensembles and with orchestra. Though classical they have many [[jazz]] elements in them.

The clarinet’s “party-piece” is the opening “slide” (technically called a [[glissando]]) in [[George Gershwin|Gershwin’s]]
"[[Rhapsody in Blue]]”.

[[Category:Wind Instruments]]

Clarinet

2009-12-14T00:51:31Z

Dune: /* The Clarinet Family */

[[Image:Clarinet_1.gif|thumb|A Standard Clarinet.]]
The '''clarinet''' is a [[woodwind]] instrument. It consists of a long cylindrical tube which opens to a bell at the bottom. The mouthpiece holds a single reed made from [[cane]].

The clarinet is an important instrument in both classical music and traditional jazz, although it began to be abandoned in jazz in favor of the [[saxophone]] from the [[swing]] era onwards.

==The Clarinet Family==
Clarinets are [[transposing instrument]]s, and are made in several keys, some of which are quite rare. The most common key is B{{music|b}}. The B{{music|b}} clarinet is about {{cm|60}} long and has a range of three octaves, although it is possible to play higher. A clarinet in the key of A, slightly longer than the B{{music|b}} clarinet and pitched a half-step lower, is often used in orchestral playing. Clarinets are also made in the key of E{{music|b}}, pitched a fourth higher than the common B{{music|b}} clarinet, and even in D, although this instrument has become uncommon.

The bass clarinet, usually pitched in B{{music|b}}, has a tube twice as long as that of a standard clarinet; because of its unwieldy length, it doubles back on itself with the bell pointing upwards at the bottom, and can only be played while sitting down. The clarinet family even includes an enormous contrabass clarinet, pitched in either of two keys: B{{music|b}} or E{{music|b}}, there were some folded all metal contra-bass clarinets that were pitched in F(rare and practically useless). This instrument is most often found in large orchestras, wind ensembles, or concert bands.

==Parts of the Clarinet==
The shafts of the most sought-after clarinets are sculpted from hard, dark, African wood, traditionally grenadilla or M'Pinga. Other models are constructed from South American woods, rosewood or cocbolo. These woods are very hard and hold a high polish well. However, some cheap clarinets are made out of plastic, particularly those used by students learning to play in school. These students are generally encouraged to "move on up" to hardwood once it becomes clear that they are serious about playing.

Some mid-18th-century clarinets were made of metal, and still today some Contrabass clarinets are as well.

The B{{music|b}} clarinet is made of 7 main parts:
*The '''Mouthpiece''' is where the musician blows to cause the reed to vibrate.
*The '''Reed''' vibrates against the mouthpiece to set up vibrations within the instrument.
*The '''Ligature''' holds the reed in place on the mouthpiece. (European clarinets do not use ligatures, rather the reed is held in place with wound string.)
*The '''Tuning barrel''' is used to make fine adjustments to the tuning of individual instruments to counteract changes in pitch caused by moisture and temperature.
*The '''Upper joint''' contains roughly half of the keys.
*The '''Lower joint''' contains the other half of the keys.
*The '''Bell''' improves the sound made by the instrument.

These parts all fit together via greased cork-lined joints. The tuning of the instrument is adjusted by sliding the mouthpiece (or the barrel) toward or away from the body. Generally speaking, it's easier to lip a pitch up rather than down, so in tricky passages, pulling out leads to greater control for longer durations.

==History==
The clarinet was first heard in the late [[Baroque period (music)|Baroque period]], however W.A. [[Mozart]] was the first to feature the instrument in works still known today. His Clarinet Quintet and Clarinet Concerto are two of the most popular works in all music. [[Carl Maria von Weber]], in the early 19th century, was the first to write an extensive body of works for the clarinet, with concertos and a concertina; and various [[Chamber music|chamber]] pieces. The Swedish master, Crusell, at about this time, was writing a number of clarinet works, both orchestral and chamber, that had a lot of popularity but have languished in recent years. Through much of the 19th century the clarinet seemed to vanish as a feature instrument in works still popular, although it was used extensively in wind ensembles; and had become a necessary part of the orchestra.

In 1891 [[Johannes Brahms]] was enraptured by the playing of the clarinetist, Richard Mühlfeld at a concert and came out of retirement to write his Clarinet Trio (Op. 114), Quintet (Op. 115) and the two Clarinet Sonatas (Op. 120). These are ranked with Mozart’s as high points for the instrument.

The 20th century gave us major concertos by the Dane, [[Carl Nielsen]]; the Englishman, Gerald Finzi; and the American [[Aaron Copland]] (a commission from Benny Goodman). Sir Malcolm Arnold, the English composer who died in 2006, wrote numerous works for the clarinet as a solo instrument, as a feature in ensembles and with orchestra. Though classical they have many [[jazz]] elements in them.

The clarinet’s “party-piece” is the opening “slide” (technically called a [[glissando]]) in [[George Gershwin|Gershwin’s]]
"[[Rhapsody in Blue]]”.

[[Category:Wind Instruments]]

Clarinet

2009-12-14T00:49:33Z

Dune: /* The Clarinet Family */

[[Image:Clarinet_1.gif|thumb|A Standard Clarinet.]]
The '''clarinet''' is a [[woodwind]] instrument. It consists of a long cylindrical tube which opens to a bell at the bottom. The mouthpiece holds a single reed made from [[cane]].

The clarinet is an important instrument in both classical music and traditional jazz, although it began to be abandoned in jazz in favor of the [[saxophone]] from the [[swing]] era onwards.

==The Clarinet Family==
Clarinets are [[transposing instrument]]s, and are made in several keys, some of which are quite rare. The most common key is B{{music|b}}. The B{{music|b}} clarinet is about {{cm|60}} long and has a range of three octaves, although it is possible to play higher. A clarinet in the key of A, slightly longer than the B{{music|b}} clarinet and pitched a half-step lower, is often used in orchestral playing. Clarinets are also made in the key of E{{music|b}}, pitched a fourth higher than the common B{{music|b}} clarinet, and even in D, although this instrument has become uncommon.

The bass clarinet, usually pitched in B{{music|b}}, has a tube twice as long as that of a standard clarinet; because of its unwieldy length, it doubles back on itself with the bell pointing upwards at the bottom, and can only be played while sitting down. The clarinet family even includes an enormous contrabass clarinet, pitched in either of two keys: B{{music|b}} or E{{music|b}}. This instrument is most often found in large orchestras, wind ensembles, or concert bands.

==Parts of the Clarinet==
The shafts of the most sought-after clarinets are sculpted from hard, dark, African wood, traditionally grenadilla or M'Pinga. Other models are constructed from South American woods, rosewood or cocbolo. These woods are very hard and hold a high polish well. However, some cheap clarinets are made out of plastic, particularly those used by students learning to play in school. These students are generally encouraged to "move on up" to hardwood once it becomes clear that they are serious about playing.

Some mid-18th-century clarinets were made of metal, and still today some Contrabass clarinets are as well.

The B{{music|b}} clarinet is made of 7 main parts:
*The '''Mouthpiece''' is where the musician blows to cause the reed to vibrate.
*The '''Reed''' vibrates against the mouthpiece to set up vibrations within the instrument.
*The '''Ligature''' holds the reed in place on the mouthpiece. (European clarinets do not use ligatures, rather the reed is held in place with wound string.)
*The '''Tuning barrel''' is used to make fine adjustments to the tuning of individual instruments to counteract changes in pitch caused by moisture and temperature.
*The '''Upper joint''' contains roughly half of the keys.
*The '''Lower joint''' contains the other half of the keys.
*The '''Bell''' improves the sound made by the instrument.

These parts all fit together via greased cork-lined joints. The tuning of the instrument is adjusted by sliding the mouthpiece (or the barrel) toward or away from the body. Generally speaking, it's easier to lip a pitch up rather than down, so in tricky passages, pulling out leads to greater control for longer durations.

==History==
The clarinet was first heard in the late [[Baroque period (music)|Baroque period]], however W.A. [[Mozart]] was the first to feature the instrument in works still known today. His Clarinet Quintet and Clarinet Concerto are two of the most popular works in all music. [[Carl Maria von Weber]], in the early 19th century, was the first to write an extensive body of works for the clarinet, with concertos and a concertina; and various [[Chamber music|chamber]] pieces. The Swedish master, Crusell, at about this time, was writing a number of clarinet works, both orchestral and chamber, that had a lot of popularity but have languished in recent years. Through much of the 19th century the clarinet seemed to vanish as a feature instrument in works still popular, although it was used extensively in wind ensembles; and had become a necessary part of the orchestra.

In 1891 [[Johannes Brahms]] was enraptured by the playing of the clarinetist, Richard Mühlfeld at a concert and came out of retirement to write his Clarinet Trio (Op. 114), Quintet (Op. 115) and the two Clarinet Sonatas (Op. 120). These are ranked with Mozart’s as high points for the instrument.

The 20th century gave us major concertos by the Dane, [[Carl Nielsen]]; the Englishman, Gerald Finzi; and the American [[Aaron Copland]] (a commission from Benny Goodman). Sir Malcolm Arnold, the English composer who died in 2006, wrote numerous works for the clarinet as a solo instrument, as a feature in ensembles and with orchestra. Though classical they have many [[jazz]] elements in them.

The clarinet’s “party-piece” is the opening “slide” (technically called a [[glissando]]) in [[George Gershwin|Gershwin’s]]
"[[Rhapsody in Blue]]”.

[[Category:Wind Instruments]]

Clarinet

2009-12-14T00:48:29Z

Dune:

[[Image:Clarinet_1.gif|thumb|A Standard Clarinet.]]
The '''clarinet''' is a [[woodwind]] instrument. It consists of a long cylindrical tube which opens to a bell at the bottom. The mouthpiece holds a single reed made from [[cane]].

The clarinet is an important instrument in both classical music and traditional jazz, although it began to be abandoned in jazz in favor of the [[saxophone]] from the [[swing]] era onwards.

==The Clarinet Family==
Clarinets are [[transposing instrument]]s, and are made in several keys, some of which are quite rare. The most common key is B{{music|b}}. The B{{music|b}} clarinet is about {{cm|60}} long and has a range of three octaves. A clarinet in the key of A, slightly longer than the B{{music|b}} clarinet and pitched a half-step lower, is often used in orchestral playing. Clarinets are also made in the key of E{{music|b}}, pitched a fourth higher than the common B{{music|b}} clarinet, and even in D, although this instrument has become uncommon.

The bass clarinet, usually pitched in B{{music|b}}, has a tube twice as long as that of a standard clarinet; because of its unwieldy length, it doubles back on itself with the bell pointing upwards at the bottom, and can only be played while sitting down. The clarinet family even includes an enormous contrabass clarinet, pitched in either of two keys: B{{music|b}} or E{{music|b}}. This instrument is most often found in large orchestras, wind ensembles, or concert bands.

==Parts of the Clarinet==
The shafts of the most sought-after clarinets are sculpted from hard, dark, African wood, traditionally grenadilla or M'Pinga. Other models are constructed from South American woods, rosewood or cocbolo. These woods are very hard and hold a high polish well. However, some cheap clarinets are made out of plastic, particularly those used by students learning to play in school. These students are generally encouraged to "move on up" to hardwood once it becomes clear that they are serious about playing.

Some mid-18th-century clarinets were made of metal, and still today some Contrabass clarinets are as well.

The B{{music|b}} clarinet is made of 7 main parts:
*The '''Mouthpiece''' is where the musician blows to cause the reed to vibrate.
*The '''Reed''' vibrates against the mouthpiece to set up vibrations within the instrument.
*The '''Ligature''' holds the reed in place on the mouthpiece. (European clarinets do not use ligatures, rather the reed is held in place with wound string.)
*The '''Tuning barrel''' is used to make fine adjustments to the tuning of individual instruments to counteract changes in pitch caused by moisture and temperature.
*The '''Upper joint''' contains roughly half of the keys.
*The '''Lower joint''' contains the other half of the keys.
*The '''Bell''' improves the sound made by the instrument.

These parts all fit together via greased cork-lined joints. The tuning of the instrument is adjusted by sliding the mouthpiece (or the barrel) toward or away from the body. Generally speaking, it's easier to lip a pitch up rather than down, so in tricky passages, pulling out leads to greater control for longer durations.

==History==
The clarinet was first heard in the late [[Baroque period (music)|Baroque period]], however W.A. [[Mozart]] was the first to feature the instrument in works still known today. His Clarinet Quintet and Clarinet Concerto are two of the most popular works in all music. [[Carl Maria von Weber]], in the early 19th century, was the first to write an extensive body of works for the clarinet, with concertos and a concertina; and various [[Chamber music|chamber]] pieces. The Swedish master, Crusell, at about this time, was writing a number of clarinet works, both orchestral and chamber, that had a lot of popularity but have languished in recent years. Through much of the 19th century the clarinet seemed to vanish as a feature instrument in works still popular, although it was used extensively in wind ensembles; and had become a necessary part of the orchestra.

In 1891 [[Johannes Brahms]] was enraptured by the playing of the clarinetist, Richard Mühlfeld at a concert and came out of retirement to write his Clarinet Trio (Op. 114), Quintet (Op. 115) and the two Clarinet Sonatas (Op. 120). These are ranked with Mozart’s as high points for the instrument.

The 20th century gave us major concertos by the Dane, [[Carl Nielsen]]; the Englishman, Gerald Finzi; and the American [[Aaron Copland]] (a commission from Benny Goodman). Sir Malcolm Arnold, the English composer who died in 2006, wrote numerous works for the clarinet as a solo instrument, as a feature in ensembles and with orchestra. Though classical they have many [[jazz]] elements in them.

The clarinet’s “party-piece” is the opening “slide” (technically called a [[glissando]]) in [[George Gershwin|Gershwin’s]]
"[[Rhapsody in Blue]]”.

[[Category:Wind Instruments]]

Jazz

2009-12-14T00:47:28Z

Dune: /* Styles */

'''Jazz''' is an American style of music that reflects Americans' roots in Africa and Europe and which originated in [[New Orleans]] during the early years of the 20th century. The first jazz recording was made in 1917 by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, who drew heavily on African-American influences, as well as the brass bands that were popular in the South at the time. It combines African American music, ragtime, and the blues. Jazz is typified by complex collective musical [[improvisation]], syncopation, use of blue notes, and call and response.

==Early Jazz==
Up until the mid-to-late 20s, jazz was a [[polyphony|polyphonic]] (or perhaps more accurately, a [[Heterophony|heterophonic]]) music - typically, in a band such as [[King Oliver]]'s, the [[cornet]] would hold the main melody, whilst the [[clarinet]] would improvise [[obbligato|obbligati]] above and the [[trombone]] would add a tenor line below. Gradually, a more solo-oriented style emerged, typified by the Hot Five recordings of [[Louis Armstrong]], where instruments would take turns to solo.

At this time, black and white bands were comprehensively segregated, with the influence of the ODJB hanging heavy over the white bands.

Towards the end of the 1920, the big band sound started to emerge in two places, New York and [[Kansas City]]. In New York, the [[Broadway]] influence led to the development of sophisticated orchestras such as those of Fletcher Henderson or [[Duke Ellington]], whilst in the Southwest, an earthier, bluesier style was developed by such leaders as Bennie Moten and Jesse Stone.

==Swing==
The early 1930s were something of a lean time for jazz commercially, although fine recordings were being produced by [[Harlem]] bandleaders such as Ellington and [[Cab Calloway]]. By around 1935 the Swing style was being popularised by white bandleaders such as [[Benny Goodman]], (although black bandleaders such as [[Count Basie]], [[Jimmie Lunceford]] and [[Chick Webb]] had developed it) and by the end of the decade effectively became the sound of Western pop music.

==Bebop==
In reaction against the perceived commercialism of Swing, and its appropriation by white musicians, a group of young, dedicated musicians sought to create a style deliberately intended to alienate the casual listener. With its complex harmonies and irregular melodies, the Bebop style was treated with suspicion by older musicians.

==After Bebop==
During the 1950s the small group came to dominate mainstream jazz, assuming the form that survives to this day - a rhythm section of piano (playing sparse left hand), double bass and drums, with a front line generally consisting of 'horns' (ie, trumpets and/or saxophones).

Various movements emerged in the 1950s.

Hard Bop (epitomised by Horace Silver and [[Art Blakey]] brought a 'funky', bluesy feel to the music, in reaction to the complexities of Bebop.

Soul jazz, led by artists such as organist Jimmy Smith, combined elements of bebop, R&B, and gospel to create a "soulful" jazz sound.

Modal Jazz (pioneered by theorist George Russell and trumpeter [[Miles Davis]]) was also a contrast to Bebop, but sought to give the soloists ample space for expression by eliminating frequent chord changes.

==Fusion==
As rock became the dominant force in popular music in the 1960s, some jazz musicians decided to adapt to it, with varying degrees of success. Miles Davis' ''Bitches Brew'' and Herbie Hancock's ''Headhunters'' are two seminal fusion albums.

==Today==
Courses in jazz are offered at many major schools, with the most notable programs belonging to Berklee College of Music and the University of North Texas (whose "One o'Clock Lab Band" has been nominated for several [[Grammy]]s), and the number and standard of jazz musicians now is extremely high. Many high schools in the United States today also have jazz bands. A far remove from its New Orleans underclass roots, jazz is a thoroughly mainstream and respected art form.

==Controversy==
There are some who believe jazz music to be a negative influence. For this reason, [[Bob Jones University]] has banned it, along with New Age, [[Rock and Roll|Rock]], [[Country music|Country]], and [[Contemporary Christian Music|Contemporary Christian]] music, from its dormitories. <ref>http://www.bju.edu/become-a-student/accepted-students/expectations/residence.php</ref>

==Styles==
Types of jazz include:
*[[Bebop]]
*[[Swing]]
*[[Latin Jazz]]
*[[Free Jazz]]

Some jazz musicians include:
*[[Charlie Parker]]
*[[Miles Davis]]
*[[Louis Armstrong]]
*[[Chet Baker]]
*[[Clifford Brown]]
*[[Sonny Rollins]]
*[[Duke Ellington]]
*[[Count Basie]]
*[[Dizzy Gillespie]]
*[[Maynard Ferguson]]
*[[John Coltrane]]
*[[Dave Brubeck]]
*[[Albert Ayler]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[category:Jazz| ]]
[[Category:Musical style]]

Jazz

2009-12-14T00:46:04Z

Dune: /* Styles */

'''Jazz''' is an American style of music that reflects Americans' roots in Africa and Europe and which originated in [[New Orleans]] during the early years of the 20th century. The first jazz recording was made in 1917 by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, who drew heavily on African-American influences, as well as the brass bands that were popular in the South at the time. It combines African American music, ragtime, and the blues. Jazz is typified by complex collective musical [[improvisation]], syncopation, use of blue notes, and call and response.

==Early Jazz==
Up until the mid-to-late 20s, jazz was a [[polyphony|polyphonic]] (or perhaps more accurately, a [[Heterophony|heterophonic]]) music - typically, in a band such as [[King Oliver]]'s, the [[cornet]] would hold the main melody, whilst the [[clarinet]] would improvise [[obbligato|obbligati]] above and the [[trombone]] would add a tenor line below. Gradually, a more solo-oriented style emerged, typified by the Hot Five recordings of [[Louis Armstrong]], where instruments would take turns to solo.

At this time, black and white bands were comprehensively segregated, with the influence of the ODJB hanging heavy over the white bands.

Towards the end of the 1920, the big band sound started to emerge in two places, New York and [[Kansas City]]. In New York, the [[Broadway]] influence led to the development of sophisticated orchestras such as those of Fletcher Henderson or [[Duke Ellington]], whilst in the Southwest, an earthier, bluesier style was developed by such leaders as Bennie Moten and Jesse Stone.

==Swing==
The early 1930s were something of a lean time for jazz commercially, although fine recordings were being produced by [[Harlem]] bandleaders such as Ellington and [[Cab Calloway]]. By around 1935 the Swing style was being popularised by white bandleaders such as [[Benny Goodman]], (although black bandleaders such as [[Count Basie]], [[Jimmie Lunceford]] and [[Chick Webb]] had developed it) and by the end of the decade effectively became the sound of Western pop music.

==Bebop==
In reaction against the perceived commercialism of Swing, and its appropriation by white musicians, a group of young, dedicated musicians sought to create a style deliberately intended to alienate the casual listener. With its complex harmonies and irregular melodies, the Bebop style was treated with suspicion by older musicians.

==After Bebop==
During the 1950s the small group came to dominate mainstream jazz, assuming the form that survives to this day - a rhythm section of piano (playing sparse left hand), double bass and drums, with a front line generally consisting of 'horns' (ie, trumpets and/or saxophones).

Various movements emerged in the 1950s.

Hard Bop (epitomised by Horace Silver and [[Art Blakey]] brought a 'funky', bluesy feel to the music, in reaction to the complexities of Bebop.

Soul jazz, led by artists such as organist Jimmy Smith, combined elements of bebop, R&B, and gospel to create a "soulful" jazz sound.

Modal Jazz (pioneered by theorist George Russell and trumpeter [[Miles Davis]]) was also a contrast to Bebop, but sought to give the soloists ample space for expression by eliminating frequent chord changes.

==Fusion==
As rock became the dominant force in popular music in the 1960s, some jazz musicians decided to adapt to it, with varying degrees of success. Miles Davis' ''Bitches Brew'' and Herbie Hancock's ''Headhunters'' are two seminal fusion albums.

==Today==
Courses in jazz are offered at many major schools, with the most notable programs belonging to Berklee College of Music and the University of North Texas (whose "One o'Clock Lab Band" has been nominated for several [[Grammy]]s), and the number and standard of jazz musicians now is extremely high. Many high schools in the United States today also have jazz bands. A far remove from its New Orleans underclass roots, jazz is a thoroughly mainstream and respected art form.

==Controversy==
There are some who believe jazz music to be a negative influence. For this reason, [[Bob Jones University]] has banned it, along with New Age, [[Rock and Roll|Rock]], [[Country music|Country]], and [[Contemporary Christian Music|Contemporary Christian]] music, from its dormitories. <ref>http://www.bju.edu/become-a-student/accepted-students/expectations/residence.php</ref>

==Styles==
Types of jazz include:
*[[Bebop]]
*[[Swing]]
*[[Latin Jazz]]
*[[Free Jazz]]

Some jazz musicians include:
*[[Charlie Parker]]
*[[Miles Davis]]
*[[Louis Armstrong]]
*[[Chet Baker]]
*[[Clifford Brown]]
*[[Sonny Rollins]]
*[[Duke Ellington]]
*[[Count Basie]]
*[[Dizzy Gillespie]]
*[[Maynard Ferguson]]
*[[John Coltrane]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[category:Jazz| ]]
[[Category:Musical style]]