Clarinet

The clarinet is a member of the woodwind family of instruments. It has a long history of use, but the form in which it is found today was perfected around 1843. Popular in classical music (Mozart wrote the first music spotlighting the clarinet), the clarinet is also featured in jazz and Dixieland music.

The Instrument

The clarinet is a single-reed instrument with a sound that is created when the musician blows into the reed inserted at the tip of the clarinet. For beginners and students, clarinets are often made of resin. Higher quality clarinets are typically made of special types of wood, some from blends of wood and resin to counteract the effects of moisture.

Clarinets are long and hollow. They come in different forms, depending on the range of notes desired. The most commonly used forms are the B and A soprano. Most orchestra pieces are written to include one of each of these forms. Two other fairly common forms are the B bass and the EE contra alto. Additionally, there are types designed for a much lower note range and to produce different sounds.

Music