The History of the Clarinet NHD Documentary

Summary

This video traces the evolution of the clarinet from its ancient precursor, the shalum mo, to the modern instrument we know today. It highlights key developments, such as the addition of register keys by Johann Christoph Denner in the late 1600s, the expansion of the clarinet’s range and keys in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the creation of specialized mouthpieces and fingerings. The clarinet’s use in orchestras and its growing popularity across Europe and America are also covered, emphasizing its adaptability, expressive range, and role in various musical traditions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The clarinet has evolved significantly over time, making it a user-friendly instrument with a rich history.
• 😀 The predecessor to the clarinet, the *shalom mo*, was a wooden, single-reed instrument that had only seven tone holes and a range of 1.5 octaves.
• 😀 The *shalom mo*'s origin is debated, with some suggesting it could be French, Latin, or Greek.
• 😀 Johan Kristoff Denner and his son unintentionally created the clarinet in the late 17th century by adding a register key to the *shalom mo*.
• 😀 The clarinet's name comes from the Italian word *claron* (meaning trumpet) and *etto* (meaning small).
• 😀 In the 1700s, composers like Beethoven, Handel, Bach, Vivaldi, and Mozart began writing music specifically for the clarinet, although some early compositions did not showcase the instrument's full range.
• 😀 The Mannheim Orchestra in the 1780s was the first orchestra to employ clarinetists, marking a significant step in the instrument's role in orchestral music.
• 😀 By the 19th century, more keys were added to the clarinet, improving its ability to play in all keys and reducing the need for multiple instruments.
• 😀 In 1812, Ivan Moer created a 13-key clarinet, improving the instrument’s versatility by making it capable of playing in any key.
• 😀 Adolphe Sax invented the B-flat bass clarinet in 1838, which played an octave lower than the soprano clarinet, contributing to the expansion of the instrument's range.
• 😀 The clarinet became known for its dynamic range, capable of playing both soft and loud, which made it ideal for composers to express a wide array of emotions in music.
• 😀 By 1912, Ernest Schmidt's invention of two register keys helped improve the clarinet's sound by eliminating weak 'throat tones' and enhancing its overall playability.

Q & A

What is the main precursor to the modern clarinet?

The main precursor to the modern clarinet was the shalum mo, a wooden instrument similar in appearance to the clarinet but with only seven tone holes and a limited range of about 1.5 octaves.

Who is credited with improving the shalum mo, leading to the creation of the clarinet?

Johann Christoph Denner and his son, from Nuremberg, Germany, are credited with improving the shalum mo around 1690, unintentionally creating the first real clarinet.

What was the purpose of the register key on the early clarinet?

The register key was used to extend the range of the clarinet, allowing players to reach higher notes. This innovation was crucial in differentiating the clarinet from its predecessors.

Why did Beethoven struggle with writing for the clarinet?

Beethoven struggled with writing for the clarinet because he did not fully understand the instrument's tone quality and range capabilities, leading to compositions that did not showcase the clarinet's strengths.

What significant development occurred with the clarinet in the 1780s?

In the 1780s, the Mannheim Orchestra employed clarinetists for the first time, and key developments were made to the clarinet, including the addition of five keys to expand its range.

How did the 13-key clarinet invented by Ivan Moer in 1812 change the instrument?

Ivan Moer created a 13-key clarinet, adding seven more keys to allow the instrument to play in any key without needing multiple clarinets. He also redesigned the mouthpiece and read to allow for better articulation.

What was the significance of the introduction of leather-filled wool pads in the 1830s?

In the 1830s, the introduction of leather-filled wool pads replaced felt pads and improved the sealing of the clarinet's tone holes, giving players more precision and accuracy in their playing.

How did the B-flat bass clarinet, created by Adolphe Sax in 1838, contribute to clarinet development?

Adolphe Sax's creation of the B-flat bass clarinet in 1838 expanded the range of the clarinet family, adding a lower octave and enriching the instrument's versatility in orchestral settings.

What innovation did Carl Baermann introduce to the clarinet in the mid-1800s?

Carl Baermann introduced the extension of some clarinet keys, which allowed for multiple alternative fingerings, making the instrument easier to play and improving its overall sound.

What material became the standard for making clarinets by the late 1800s, and why?

By the late 1800s, African Blackwood became the standard material for making clarinets due to its durability, light weight, and resistance to brittleness, making it more practical than the previously used ebony.