It is generally accepted that the Clarinet was invented at about the beginning of the 18th century, by J.C. Donner (1655-1707) in Nuremberg, Germany. This makes it younger than the oboe by at least 50 years. Thus, it was a relatively late addition to the classical symphonic orchestra.
The Clarinets are single-reed instruments. The reed (which is made of cane) is bound to the open side of the ebonte mouthpiece by means of a metal ring, which is tightened by the use of thumbscrews. As the player blows into the instrument, the reed vibrates against the mouthpiece causing the air column in the pipe to vibrate (see the illustration).
The Clarinet family is quite large, and includes more than ten different instruments, which differ mostly by their lengths. Of these, there are four clarinets which can be considered as regular members of the symphonic orchestra. These are the very small E flat Clarinet, the B flat and A Clarinets, and the Bass Clarinet (mostly in B flat).
Clarinets in B flat and in A:
These two Clarinets are the most often used in the symphonic orchestra; today, the B flat Clarinet is the most preferred. This means that the Clarinets are transposing instruments. The B flat Clarinet sounds a whole tone lower than written, while the A Clarinet sounds a minor third lower than written. The type of Clarinet a composer selects depends on which of the Clarinets will require fewer sharps or flats in the desired key.
In the woodwind family, the Clarinet is considered the tenor of the section. The most important characteristics of the Clarinet are as follows: 1) it has the largest range among the woodwind instruments; 2) it is capable of producing the richest and most diverse tone colors in its different ranges; and 3) most importantly, it has the greatest control of dynamics, from the softest possible tone to the loudest one. It is also very agile, and capable of producing the most virtuosic passages when in good hands.
The low register of the Clarinet produces dramatic and somewhat menacing tones. The highest range is characterized by shrill and piercing tones when played loudly, and a slightly warmer tones when played softly. Its middle register produces bright, brilliant and penetrating sounds.
Of all the symphonic woodwind instruments, it is the Clarinet which led the most vigorous career as a folk instrument, especially in the Balkan countries. The Czechs, for instance, believe that the Clarinet is their national instrument. But, it is much more virtuosic in Bulgarian or Roumanian music. The Clarinet also plays a very important role in jazz music.
