In just over a week's time, I'm giving a talk to a local U3A group about the clarinet. I've finally started to think about what to say, and so far, the areas covered will include a brief history of the clarinet, how the sound is produced, random thoughts on range and the clarinet family, and a bit about repertoire (including solo, chamber and orchestral). Somewhere amongst all this will be performances of the second movement of the Mozart concerto and the slow movement of the first of the Brahms sonatas. The whole thing should take about an hour in total, although it won't be a problem if I talk for a bit less than that, or even a bit longer.

Is there anything obvious that I've forgotten about?

They're apparently quite a vocal group and likely to ask tons of questions, so if anyone (particularly the non-clarinettists) could post any questions they'd be likely to ask in such a situation, I'd appreciate it.

Sounds allright to me. I can't think of anymore. They'll ADORE the Mozart, and love the Brahms too. Good choices!

I remember reading about the history of the clarinet years ago, and was fascinated by the very beginning. How the woodwind was only double reeds and this simple recorder type thing called the chalumeau suddenly became popular and ended up being improved, keys added etc.

A few words on wood vs plastic/hard rubber? Price of instruments compared to others?

By the way, what on earth is a U3A?

Steve

Maybe explain the whole transposing instrument thing. That always confuses me (i.e. you press a C and it's actually something else).

*They may ask you to demonstrate the famous gliss run from the 'Rhapsody in Blue'.....or the 'Stranger on the Shore' tune.

*It may also be useful to have an Eb and Bass in hand to demonstrate the different size and sound.

*How high can the clarinet go? Be prepared to play up to super C or even D!

Dom
(PS. what's U3A?)

University of the 3rd Age if I'm not much mistaken.

And there was me thinking it was Under3Age (cos she put group next to it). I'll go back in my corner

I thought upper three, as in year 7?

Thanks for the suggestions, keep 'em coming!

Yes, U3A is University of the Third Age, a self-improvement group for the more mature.

I will be taking my bass clarinet, but don't have an Eb so pictures may have to suffice, unless I put a spare Bb into a very hot wash!

Will you be performing the pieces yourself or using recordings? It seems a pity not to include anything from the 20th century. Doesn't have to be scary (for the listeners)! How about one of the Finzi Bagatelles? I particularly like the Fughetta. Or one of the lively (and very short) movements from the Lutoslawski Dance Preludes? Just being over 60 (or 70, or 80...) doesn't mean musical tastes and interests stop short at the end of the 19th century.

Best of luck with it. I hope all concerned will enjoy it.

Doing a Finzi piece would be a good idea, but from what my etacher says the piano parts are quite hard and so you'd need a really good accompanist. You could play the prelude from that lot, as it's both easier for you and your accompanist!

Hi,

You don't seem to have anything about the clarinet's "other life" as a band and jazz instrument - it's especially prominent in trad jazz as a soloist instrument, and players such as Benny Goodman have made it sound amazing as they soar above a big band. Given the age of your audience, I'd have thought that they'd be pretty familiar with 30s and 40s big band/swing and trad jazz so if you don't raise the point, they're bound to, especially the awkward questioners

Of course, it also helps to make the point that the clarinet is such a versatile instrument.

Cheers,

Mansarde

Mansarde, I realised after my original post that I'd not mentioned jazz, even though jazz made it onto my crib sheet!

I haven't deliberately omitted the 20th century, it's just happened that way. I'm planning on having a practice run in front of Hamster over the next day or so, and if there's time I may well throw in something unaccompanied and 20th century.

Keep the ideas coming, folks.

Well, I've done it! The talk was this afternoon, and all was fab. They were a lovely bunch, all were really interested in what I had to say, they asked loads of intelligent questions, and applauded my performance (very generous, 'cos I was rubbish ).

Good stuff, D