Thanks to...
This instrument was purchased by the Foundation Concertgebouworkest thanks to the generous support of the Swiss Friends of the Concertgebouworkest.
Arno and his D clarinet
In the series 'Musicians on their instrument': Arno Piters on his D clarinet - built by Leitner & Krauss, Neustadt - acquired in 2011.
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.