Clarinets

The Clarinet is the orchestra's most versatile woodwind instrument and its rich, expressive tone is a favourite of modern composers.

The Clarinet is a single reed instrument and was invented by Johann Christoph Denner in the 17th Century but was immediately unpopular due to its poor sound and terrible intonation.  Its revival is thanks to Mozart whose good friend Anton Stadler had mastered the instrument and who saw the possibilities its unique texture could offer.  The modern Clarinet was designed in the 19th century when the Boehm key system and a flared bell were added and is made of Grenadilla wood or Ebonite.  The orchestra also uses a Bass Clarinet which has a bent mouthpiece and upward curving bell and sounds an octave below the clarinet.

Mozart's Clarinet Quintet and Clarinet Concerto and Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue' are examples of the Clarinet's versatility.

Approximate Range	3 octaves
Length	67cm