Clarinet

The clarinet is the most versatile instrument in the woodwind family with the biggest range in terms of both pitch and volume, from mellow low notes, through the creamy upper register, to screaming high notes. Not only does it play the classical repertoire, it forms the nucleus of the wind band and is one of the foremost jazz instruments. Learning the clarinet is also the most usual preparation for learning the saxophone, and if you play the clarinet to a good standard you should have no difficulty in doubling on saxophone, providing you are prepared to practise!

Starting age 9 years.

Cost

• New approx £250. Our staff are happy to recommended the Buffet B12 or the Yamaha YCL26 MKII.
• 2nd hand From £150

Hire

• Readily available from all sources.

Running Costs

• Reeds costing between £1 to £1.50 each are needed at very regular intervals (prices vary depending on where you buy).
• Good quality reeds are essential for a good tone.

Suitability

• A heavy instrument requiring exact finger placement.

Where to play

• Used in orchestras, wind bands and jazz.
• One of the most versatile instruments.
• Very popular so it can be quite competitive to join the best ensembles.
• Find out more about instrument care and maintenance

Famous Pieces

• Mozart - Clarinet Concerto - subtle and beautiful
• Weber - 2 Concertos and Concertino - flashy and fun - very operatic
• Brahms - Clarinet Quintet - the ultimate in beautiful chamber music
• Copland - Concerto - a serene start with explosive jazz influences later

Famous Orchestral Solos

• Rhapsody in Blue (Gershwin) - starts with a long clarinet glissando
• Peter & the Wolf (Prokofiev) - The clarinet is "The Cat"

Famous Performers

• Anthony Paye - English clarinettist
• Karl Leister - Ex. Berlin Philharmonic - rich dark German sound
• Michael Collins - English soloist Gervase de Peyer - virtuoso with vibrato!
• Benny Goodman - the ultimate traditional jazz clarinetist
• Eddie Daniels - stunning jazz technician - listen to his version of C.P.E Bach's Solfeggietto (GRP-D-9533)