2960  tango and bass clarinet

Date: Tue, 2 Nov 2004 14:19:56 -0500
From: CHARLES KELLY <carlitokel@USA.NET>
Subject: tango and bass clarinet

Peter: I play clarinet and bass clarinet, and am director/arranger for the
Tango group SiempreTango, based in Washington DC. Salgan's book on tango
composition/arrangement, entitled "Corso De Tango" and published in 2001,
there is a section on instrumentation which has one (short) chapter devoted to
the bass clarinet (claron). When I ordered this text from his wife a few
years ago, via email, she told me that he has a special affection for the
instrument -- hence its inclusion alongside the more traditional tango
instruments.

In the text, there are alas only 3 examples of full score partituras showing
the bass clarinet line, which is written on its own staff (pentagram), in Bb
bass cleff, just below the strings, but above the bandoneons and piano. The
range and tone of bass clarinet place it in a range and role similar to that
of the cello and/or viola.

The example pieces in the book which show bass clarinet are the following,
(see below) so you might use this a a guide to try and find recordings of the
same. However don't expect to hear the instrument playing in a prominent or
leading manner. It's role, rather, is more that of a supporting instrument.

"Pan" de Eduardo Pereyra y Celedonio Flores
"Sobre el Pucho" de S. Piana Y G. Castillo
"El Motivo" de Cobial y Contursi

I hope this information is helpful; good luck with your lecture.
Charles Kelly
www.siempretano.com

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