Early Origins of the Clarinet
The clarinet’s history can be traced back to ancient single-reed instruments such as the Egyptian zummara, the Greek aulos, and the medieval chalumeau. The chalumeau, a simple wooden pipe with a single reed, is considered the clarinet’s closest ancestor. In the late 17th century, Johann Christoph Denner, a German instrument maker, improved the chalumeau by adding a register key, significantly expanding the instrument’s range and creating what we now recognize as the clarinet.
Denner’s early clarinets were constructed from boxwood and had only two keys, limiting their chromatic range. Despite these limitations, the clarinet’s improved tone and versatility quickly made it popular in Baroque music.
Click here to see Brian Ackerman’s blog post on the early clarinet
The Development of the Clarinet
As the clarinet evolved, makers introduced additional keys to improve tuning and extend the range. By the late 18th century, the clarinet typically had five keys. This allowed it to play more complex passages and improved its chromatic capabilities. The instrument became a mainstay in orchestras and chamber music.
In the 19th century, the most significant advancements were made in the fingering system. Iwan Müller, a German clarinetist and instrument maker, introduced a 13-key system with improved pad design, greatly enhancing the clarinet’s intonation and technical flexibility. This development paved the way for further refinements in keywork and design throughout the century.
Fingering Systems and the Evolution of the Clarinet
Today, two primary fingering systems are widely used:
1. The Boehm System
Developed by Hyacinthe Klosé in the 1840s and adapted from Theobald Boehm’s flute mechanism, the Boehm system became the dominant design for clarinets worldwide. Its efficient key layout improved technical ease, making it the preferred system for most players outside of Germany and Austria.
2. The Oehler System
Favoured in German-speaking regions, the Oehler system retains elements of the older Albert system, with additional keys that improve intonation and provide a more traditional tone. The Oehler system is especially popular among orchestral players in Germany and Austria.
The Clarinet in Early Music
In Baroque music, the clarinet was a relative newcomer but found occasional use by composers like Vivaldi and Handel. As the instrument improved, it gained prominence in Classical compositions. Mozart famously embraced the clarinet, writing his Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K. 622, one of the most celebrated works for the instrument. Mozart’s friend Anton Stadler played a key role in encouraging this development, and the resulting works remain core parts of the clarinet repertoire.
The Clarinet in Orchestral Music
By the Romantic period, the clarinet had become an essential orchestral instrument. Composers such as Brahms, Weber, and Mendelssohn composed extensively for the clarinet, taking advantage of its expressive range and dynamic flexibility. Brahms’ Clarinet Quintet in B minor, Op. 115 is one of the finest examples of late-Romantic clarinet writing, blending warmth and lyricism with virtuosic passages.
In the 20th century, composers such as Stravinsky, Copland, and Messiaen exploited the clarinet’s versatility. Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring opens with a haunting solo for the bass clarinet, while Copland’s Clarinet Concerto, written for Benny Goodman, blends jazz elements with classical technique.
The Clarinet in Contemporary Music
Contemporary composers have continued to expand the clarinet’s capabilities. Techniques such as multiphonics, microtones, and extended articulation methods are now common in modern clarinet music. Composers like John Adams, Elliott Carter, and Kaija Saariaho have explored these techniques to create dynamic new works for the instrument.
Jazz has also played a major role in shaping the clarinet’s identity. Benny Goodman, known as the “King of Swing,” popularized the clarinet in big band and swing music. Modern jazz clarinetists such as Anat Cohen and Ken Peplowski continue to innovate with the instrument’s expressive capabilities.
Modern Clarinet Makers and Brands
Today, clarinet players can choose from a wide range of high-quality instruments, each offering unique tonal characteristics and performance capabilities. Key manufacturers include:
Buffet Crampon: Renowned for their professional-level instruments such as the R13 and Prestige models, Buffet Crampon clarinets are popular with orchestral players worldwide.
Yamaha: Yamaha offers a broad range of clarinets, from student models to elite professional instruments. Their YCL-CSVR and SEVR models are particularly favored for their consistency and refined tone.
Leblanc: Leblanc clarinets are known for their responsive keywork and are popular in jazz and contemporary music circles.
The Clarinet in Education and Amateur Music
The clarinet’s versatility has made it a staple in educational music programs. Its accessibility for beginners and its rewarding challenges for advanced players ensure its popularity in schools, universities, and community bands worldwide. Brands like Jupiter, Buffet Crampon’s student models, and Yamaha’s beginner series continue to offer accessible yet high-quality instruments for new learners.
Conclusion
From humble origins in the chalumeau to its prominent role in modern orchestras, jazz, and contemporary music, the clarinet has undergone remarkable development. With the contributions of innovative makers like Buffet Crampon, Yamaha, and Leblanc, the clarinet continues to captivate musicians and audiences alike. Whether performing Mozart’s timeless concerto or pushing the boundaries in contemporary music, the clarinet remains one of the most versatile and expressive instruments in the world.
Click here to see the full range of clarinets at Ackerman Music
