If writing or arranging tonal music in a specific key, add 3 sharps or subtract 3 flats from the key signature.Īlthough many alto clarinet parts will stick to the lower registers, the other registers can be useful too.Ĭhalumeau register: Sounds somewhat similar to the bass clarinet or the low notes of the B-flat clarinet. It sounds a major sixth lower than written, so write the notes a major sixth higher than they sound. The transposition for the alto clarinet is the same as for the alto saxophone. The alto clarinet is in the key of E-flat and is a transposing instrument.
I’d say a safe upper limit/highest note would be the B-flat above middle C ( sounding note), but feel free to write higher if you know you’re writing for a good player. The upper range limit depends on the abilities of the player and the condition of the instrument. The alto clarinet’s lowest sounding note is the G-flat on the bottom of the bass staff. The alto also has a key for a written low E-flat, beneath the low E that is the lowest note on a B-flat clarinet. Theoretically, the alto clarinet has about the same written range as the other clarinets.
I’m an alto clarinetist and a composer/music arranger, and I’ve decided to write this guide on how to compose music for the alto clarinet. Since the alto clarinet is something of a rare instrument these days, there is not much information out there on how to write music for it. The Selmers I've seen go for more like $500-900. Wood Noblets and Leblancs can be had for $300-400 depending on condition. My current favorite is a lovely silver-plated metal Kohlert, that I can take to outdoor camping and 'rendezvous' events. Throat area cracks are common in alto's, but are ok (stable)when properly repaired. I like the Leblanc and Noblet grenadilla models, and the Kohlerts. The Bundy is a good starter, built like a tank, but the open holes require medium to large hands.
I've got all the alto's mentioned so far (except a french Selmer, out of my price range) plus several Kohlerts. You should be able to find one for <$200 on the auction site but be aware that it will likely need pads. If you just want a cheap alto to mess around with I'd suggest looking for a Vito as these use a completely closed-hole design similar to bass clarinets, making them a bit easier to play. I found a Yamaha alto on eBay and while it was relatively expensive in comparison to used Leblancs (it was £1500 which is somewhere around $2500) it is a great instrument but will need a repad as it was repadded fairly recently with sticky pads before I bought it. Not that they're unrepairable, it just adds to the hassle and prolongs restoration. Watch out for old Leblancs as chances are they may have knackered bells and split tenons.
Look for the Series 9, which was probably the best alto ever made. You can get older Selmers on eBay for decent prices. Parran used one as his main instrument for 20 years in all of his musical performances, helping to introduce countless people to it. Composers such as Leon Dallin, Alfred Reed and George Schwartz wrote music specifically for a duet of a piano and an alto clarinet. Some artists and composers find the rich, mellow tones of the alto clarinet pleasing and work to keep this instrument alive and familiar. Its deep sound is not as frequently heard in high school and college bands. The alto clarinet is less common than the smaller, more familiar standard soprano clarinet. Wiberny, Heiner Confidence Advance Music (1994) 2/A/Bout you on social media? Share their great stories to help turn potential customers into loyal ones. Thompson Five Portraits Thompson 47536c (1977) 2/A/B Tchaikovsky, P Andante Cantabile Belwin Ens 93 (1938) 2/A/B
Smith, T Stuart Suite C L Barnhouse Pubs 111-0064-08 3/A Shewan, Douglas Romantic Interlude (unpublished) 2/A/B Sharma, Liz Rhapsody, Romance & Scherzo Liz Sharma (2019) 2 Alt solos&Cl Choir Ostling, Acton Pop ! Goes the Woodwinds First Division Pub Corp (1964) 2/A/B Nowak, Jerry Marianne Musicians Pubs (1992) 2/A/B Nowak, Jerry Jamaica Farewell Musicians Publications (1992) 2/A/B Manchini ar Christensen The Pink Panther Kendor 6090 (1983) 2/A/B Mahler, G arr Leonard In Praise of Lofty Intellect Presser 114-40122(1968) 2/A/B Hurrell, Clarence E Galway Pipers Rubank (1968) 2/A/B Grundman, Clare Caprice Boosey & Hawkes (1961) 2/A/B Gray, Emily Little Concerto for Alto+Cl Choir Emily Gray (2008) Alt solo & Clar Choir Gray, Emily Triumphant March Emily Gray (2016) Eb/Bb/A/B Gourhand, Yves Tessa G Billaudot (2005) 2/A/B Gipps, Ruth A Wealden Suite (1991) Emerson Eb/Bb/A?/B Bennett Peruvian Inca Melodies Colombo 1270 (1942) 2/A/B Bennet, David Clarinet Rhapsody Carl Fischer Inc (1937) 2/A/Bĭ’Harcourt arr.