question for a clarinetist

[Hector Pascal]

Hi all,

On a Bb clarinet, is it do-able to oscillate between written notes G and C (both on the staff), using semiquavers at 126bpm?

Looking at a fingering chart, I note that all the fingers have to be off for the G and then all go down for the C, however, I was wondering if a clarinettist would have a workaround that makes it possible enough that a composer might use such a tremolo? In my research, I have noted that regarding A to B (both on the staff), the left hand fingers can stay on the keys so only the right hand has to change. I wonder if this works for G-C.

I should add that I will look for a clarinet forum, but thought I'd ask here first, as I know how knowledgeable you all are here

Cheers,
HP.

[N Grossingink]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSpQd83It5E

N.

[robertstiffler]

HP
Good question

(G) is of course all fingers open.

To play the (C) use the following fingering:
1. (A) key, Left hand trigger finger: 2. plus (Octave key), Left hand thumb: 3. plus (Top two trill keys) , Right hand trigger finger. i.e.depress both keys together.

Regards
Bob Stiffler

[Hector Pascal]

Thanks very much for the info and for the fingering!
Best wishes,
Hector.

[RMK]

With all due respect to Mr. Stiffler, a professional clarinetist would never do that.

However, you can just keep your right hand down for the G. I can easily alternate between those two notes at least twice as fast as you have indicated.

[robertstiffler]

RMD

I've played symphony clarinet for lot of years. Now retired. Tell me why a professional clarinetist would not use my fingering.
Some clarinets might have a tuning problem. My 50 year old Selmer does not.
Also, keeping the right hand down on the (G) will make the (G) a bit flat.

As a point of interest, I have a tuner on my music stand whenever I am practicing, and during performances. (Yes, my old Selmer has some notes that need lip tuning.)

Regards
Bob Stiffler
(P.E. Retired)

[RMK]

I held a tenured titled position in a large regional orchestra for 30 years (now retired).

I would not use that fingering because

a) it sounds bad

b) it is out of tune

c) The original fingering is not all that difficult unless you are a beginner.

[robertstiffler]

RMK

Mr. RMK

Item a) Subjective. Some throaty sound, but very little. In a moving passage, I'm not sure one could tell which (C) I am using
Item b) My clarinet is dead on from tuning stand point.
Item c) In my opinion pushing padded keys is easier than covering and uncovering 4 ring holes with the left hand.

I guess one would need to see the music in question to know what works best for that particular passage.

Regards
Bob Stiffler