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clarinet title image

The clarinet is played with a reed, which is a very thin piece of wood that vibrates when you blow through it. A relative youngster in the orchestra, the clarinet is only about 300 years old!

It is a long tube made of wood (or plastic) and has metal keys to press. The bottom of the clarinet is shaped like a bell.
clarinet
Listen to the clarinet
listen toInstrument Range
listen toSpecial Effects
listen toHear it in action
The clarinet player is sometimes called upon to play the saxophone or the bass clarinet.
 
saxophone   Saxophone - the saxophone was developed from the clarinet by Adolphe Sax in 1840. 
bbcListen to the saxophone play in Mussorgsky's Pictures at an exhibition
 
bass clarinet   Bass Clarinet - The bass clarinet makes a lovely, deep, rich sound.  
bbcListen to the bass clarinet play in Stravinsky's Petrushka
 
 

  
   John Bradbury    Meet the Orchestra!
John Bradbury plays the clarinet with the BBC Philharmonic in Manchester. Read about him below.
  
  
John Bradbury, Clarinet

How old were you when you first started playing?
I took up the clarinet at the age of thirteen.
Why did you choose that instrument specially?
My dad played the clarinet and I really liked the sound.
Do you play any other instruments?
I play the piano.
What do you like most about playing in an orchestra? Is it fun?
It's the most gregarious form of music making, which is good socially and gives a great sense of achievement through team-work.
Do you play any other kinds of music?
No.
What's your favourite music?
Brahms' symphonies.
Do you have any hobbies? What are they?
Geology and swimming.
  
        
  
  
All pictures are copyrighted - picture credits
Woodwind   Brass  
 
 
Strings Percussion
 
 
Keyboards Conductor
LEARN AN INSTRUMENT
Which instrument, which age, finding teachers, buying guide and the perils of practice
 
 





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