In order to know the meaning of the term clarinet, it is necessary that, first of all, we proceed to discover its etymological origin. In this case, we can state that it derives from the French "clarinette" or "clarine", which is a wind musical instrument . A word that, in turn, comes from the Latin "clarus", which was used to, among other things, refer to sharp and perfectly perceptible sounds.
The concept of clarinet is used to name a wind instrument that has the bell of a clarion , a tube made up of various pieces and a mouthpiece made with a reed reed. The clarinet also has holes that can become clogged with keys or fingers.
To play this instrument , the clarinetist places his mouth on the mouthpiece, where the reed is located. On the upper body of the clarinet, linked to the mouthpiece by the barrel, you must place your left hand. On the lower body, on the other hand, place the right hand. Sound projection is carried out by the bell located at the bottom of the instrument.
Like the oboe and the flute , the clarinet is included in the group of woodwind instruments. Frequently used in military bands , it can reach about four octaves.
There are multiple types of clarinets. Among the usual ones are the soprano clarinet , the contrabass clarinet , the sopranino clarinet , the alto clarinet , the bass clarinet and the bassetto clarinet , each with its corresponding tuning.
It is possible to achieve various sound effects with these instruments. Glissando , dental tremolo , labial vibrato , circular breathing and trilling are some of these techniques .
Other interesting facts about the clarinet are the following:
-It is made of wood.
-The lower tube that gives it shape has a clearly flared format.
-In order to play the clarinet properly, it is essential that the musician adopts a correct posture. That is, you must keep your back straight in order to breathe properly. Specifically, this will make it breathe in the lower part of the lungs.
-It has about 20 holes, some that must be covered by whoever plays the instrument and others that are already covered through what are articulated type keys.
-The keys are presented in two different systems: German and French. These differ, among other things, in their dimensions.
-No less important is that it is essential for the clarinetist to have a relaxed tongue to play the instrument correctly.
-There are many well-known people who play the clarinet. Thus, they range from actress Julia Roberts to film director and actor Woody Allen. He is precisely part of a band with which he performs jazz in different corners of the world.
The American Benny Goodman , the German Karl Leister and the Frenchman Michel Portal are among the most transcendent clarinetists of the last century. It should be noted that the clarinet is used in classical compositions, in jazz and in other musical genres and styles.