Bassklarinette

As Printed on a Score

Labels the bass clarinet in German scores, abbreviated Bkl., Basskl. or Bassklar., often with the key in front (A-Basskl., B-Basskl.); Mahler also spells it Bassclarinette. Wagner and Strauss often wrote it in bass clef, sounding a whole step below written (in B), others in treble clef a ninth above the sound, so check clef and key before reading.

Abbreviations: Bkl., Bassklar., Basskl.

Also spelled: Bassclarinette, Baßklarinette

How Composers Use It

Wagner made the bass clarinet a regular member of the German orchestra and gave it dark, brooding solos, notably in King Marke’s lament in Act II of Tristan; Mahler and Strauss used it in A as well as B-flat. It gives a soft, rich bass to woodwind chords and a sinister or melancholy solo voice. Plan the third clarinetist’s changes to and from it with time to spare.

Example

Mahler, Symphony No. 5, second movement, clarinet staff, m. 175: “III.Klar.nimmt Basskl.” — the third clarinetist takes up the bass clarinet.

Related Terms