Mon, Sep 4, 2017
In the series 'Musicians on their instrument': Arno Piters on his D clarinet - built by Leitner & Krauss, Neustadt - acquired in 2011.
By Marije Bosnak - The series 'Musicians and their instruments' was published in 2017 to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Swiss Global Friends.
Why this instrument…
I’m the player in the orchestra who specialises in the high clarinet. I play both the D and the E-flat clarinet. Looking back, I realise now that my old D clarinet was unplayable. Now it’s all so much easier! It’s like I have a new bicycle that can go a lot faster than my old one without me having to pedal anywhere near as hard.
Getting to know my D clarinet…
It took a long time before I could really play this clarinet well. It was a prototype from the builder, and had to be broken in. Over time, the builder made further adjustments to improve it. And he’s done a terrific job! Even now, through continued use, the instrument is developing and loosening up, and the sound is freer.
Its character…
This clarinet is like a moody, but very spirited, woman. Very beautiful, but incredibly obstinate, too. I have yet to fully understand her, I think!
A beautiful piece I’ve performed on it…
Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé! It was a dream playing that part on this instrument. With my old clarinet, I had to work so hard, but with this one, I could just enjoy the music! It was so easy in terms of intonation and beautiful legato.
The difference between the D and the E-flat clarinet…
Composers like Stravinsky and Strauss wrote specifically for the D clarinet. The sound is warmer and fluffier than the E-flat clarinet’s, and its tone is a bit fuller.