Clarinetto piccolo

As Printed on a Score

Labels the small clarinet, almost always with its key: Clarinetto piccolo in Mi♭ or in Re (E-flat or D), abbreviated Cl. picc. It is written in treble clef; the E-flat clarinet sounds a minor third above written, the D clarinet a whole step above. Since a clarinetist usually doubles it, look for change instructions in the clarinet part.

Abbreviations: Cl. picc., Cl. piccolo

How Composers Use It

Bright, hard and penetrating, especially at the top, where it outshines everything but the piccolo. Berlioz made the E-flat clarinet grotesque in the Witches’ Sabbath of the Symphonie fantastique, Strauss gave the D clarinet Till Eulenspiegel’s pranks, and Mahler and Ravel used it for shrill color. Reach for it when you want edge and character rather than warmth, and keep soft high notes to a minimum; they are hard to control.

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