Clarinet is a woodwind instrument. Most clarinets are made of wood. The instrument consists of a tube with a mouthpiece at one end and a bell-shaped opening at the other end. A clarinet has open tone holes and other holes covered by small metal levers called keys. The musician places his or her fingertips on the holes and keys and blows on a flat cane reed attached to the mouthpiece. The reed vibrates, producing a full, rich tone. The musician plays different notes by covering or uncovering various holes. Clarinets are manufactured in five pitches. The B-flat soprano clarinet is the most popular.
Johann Christoph Denner, a German instrument maker, invented the clarinet about 1700. It has been an important instrument in bands and orchestras since the mid-1700’s.
Loading the player...Bass clarinet
See also Bechet, Sidney; Fountain, Pete; Goodman, Benny; Jazz (The reeds).
