134 !!Chapter 6
Clarinet in A
Range:Parts are written in the treble clef and sound a minor third lower
than where they are written. The lowest written note is E, below middle
C, and the highest written note is A, above the treble clef (see example 6-
34).
Example 6-34 A clarinet range: staff indicates where the parts are written.Clarinet in E-Flat
Note: The E-flat clarinet is small and has a more piercing timbre than the
B-flat clarinet.
Range:Parts are written in the treble clef and sound a minor third
higher than where they are written. The lowest written note is E, below
middle C, and the highest written note is A, two octaves above the treble
clef. It is possible to play higher (see example 6-35).
Example 6-35 E-flat clarinet range: staff indicates where the parts are written.Alto Clarinet in E-Flat
The alto clarinet is pitched in E-flat. The alto clarinet is written in the treble
clef and sounds a major sixth lower. The lowest written note is E, below
middle C, and the highest written note is E, above the treble clef (see exam-
ple 6-36).
Bass Clarinet in B-Flat
The bass clarinet in B-flat has a deep, resonant low end. It sounds one
octave lower than the B-flat clarinet. When used in combination with other
clarinets, it usually plays the lowest note—analogous of the role the bari-