Why we should love the Alto Clarinet | Interesting Instruments
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- Опубликовано: 20 июл 2024
- A video about one of the most unfairly derided woodwind instruments: the E flat Alto Clarinet. As a composer, I am 'Pro-Alto'!
Timestamps:
0:06 What is an Alto Clarinet?
0:19 Related Instruments: The Basset Horn
0:57 Which instrument do composers write for?
2:05 How can this be confusing?
4:18 What's the deal with the Alto Clarinet?
5:12 Problems: reasons why people might hate the Alto
8:00 How to write for the Alto Clarinet; What the Alto Clarinet can do
10:05 Effective scoring combinations
10:48 Alto Clarinet in the orchestra
11:58 Josef Holbrooke's use of the Alto Clarinet (orchestra)
13:00 The Alto Clarinet in the modern wind band
14:20 Scoring tips in a wind band using the Alto Clarinet
16:51 Summary of the Alto Clarinet's capabilities; call to composers and bands to embrace it and use it!
Points raised include:
-The Alto Clarinet's place in the clarinet family, and a comparison with its relative, the Basset Horn
-An exploration of a couple of arguments that exist with regard to the possiblity of changing the instrument's name to Tenor Clarinet
-Why the Bass Clarinet may have usurped the Alto in the orchestra in the 19th century
-Various reasons as to why people hate or ridicule the instrument
-How to write for the instrument; reference to its low, middle & high registers with some examples; what the instrument can do
-Scoring combinations and instrument pairings that are effective
-Use of the Alto Clarinet in the orchestra, with reference to Josef Holbrooke's treatment of the Alto Clarinet/Basset Horn in a few of his works
-The Alto's place in the wind band today; and how including it gives the Bass Clarinet a bit of a much-needed break
-Orchestration examples showing various ways of employing the Alto Clarinet in the woodwind section in a band; how it can add depth, lighten the texture, carry the melody, add strength to a melody in the alto/tenor register, and contribute to a full woodwind tutti
-Summary of why we should be using the Alto more
Patreon: / danthefugueguy
www.danielbasford.co.uk
Further info:
Mozart Divertimento (audio excerpt at 1:45) - full live performance:
• Mozart - Divertimento ...
The performance of 'Rufford Park Poachers' from Lincolnshire Posy (Grainger) is from Dallas Wind Symphony, cond. Junkin, Reference Recordings 2012
• Lincolnshire Posy: III... .
This excerpt is used under Fair Use/Fair Dealing as it forms part of an educational discussion and informative video, and is not detrimental to the market.
My orchestration of Bach's Passacaglia & Fugue in C minor BWV 582 for band (excerpt shown 8:50) is available at www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/...
Further reading & sources of some info:
Alto Clarinet: The Endangered Species of the American Band (Mark Wolbers)
depts.washington.edu/uwwinds/...
The Unrealised Potential of the Alto Clarinet (Annabelle Inhyung Hwang) - includes a comprehensive discussion on extended techniques na-st01.ext.exlibrisgroup.com...
A clip from Family Guy (dubbed in German) is used under Fair Use/Fair Dealing as (a) it is employed out of context; (b) is transformative in nature; and (c) is not detirmental to the market.
#altoclarinet #clarinet #windband
Delighted to annouce that my work for Alto Clarinet & Piano mentioned towards the end of this video, entitled "Episodes", is now available for purchase here:
www.arrangeme.com/title/A721780.
The download consists of the piano score and solo part.
Let's get lots of performances happening!
I'd like to see it, if possible. Maybe I can swap my piece for alto & piano with yours.
@@fstover5208 You can view some pages of the score when you click the link.
It says I need a login... :(
I might want to purchase it but this site is for composers and wants me to jump thru too many hoops for my liking. So, I guess I’ll skip it unless someone has an idea of a better purchase site.
The alto clarinet, bassoon, bass flute and vibraphone are imo the mount Rushmore of underrated instruments
You forgot the valve trombone and the viola.
Vibes are appropriately rated by people that actually play it
cof cof contrabassoon cof cof
Don't forget the G treble flute(the flute between the C flute & piccolo)!
Can't forget the Bass Sax
Another case of the “bassoon effect” (meaning a beautiful instrument not getting the love it deserves)
French basson especially. Even bassoonists ignore it.
I have seen you on multiple videos about different woodwind instruments
saxophone is not loved enough in classical.
i personally love how bassoon sounds
Bassoon
When I was back in high school band, a clarinetist suggested that the band get an alto clarinet. The band director played clarinet in college and told the student that the alto clarinet was completely worthless. I always write an alto clarinet part in all my band compositions.
Looks a whole lot about what the average trombonist has to say about the valve trombone, the sound of which I prefer to that of the slide trombone in most situations (but I'm a baritonist, which I am told prejudices me).
@@johnries5593 I am a flutist and when I was asked to play piccolo, it was OK. I still prefer the flute because the piccolo sounds like a dog whistle at times.
i want to switch to alto clarinet so bad but i'm afraid of how my director would react, he said the alto is a disgusting instrument that deserves no love 🥲
@@chornicorn He sounds like my old band director! It is sad when anyone thinks that a musical instrument is worthless.
@@chornicorn im in the same exact position but if he says no then ill just sneak it in and find a way to get an alto part
This video brought tears to my alto clarinet.
Good tears I hope!
@@danthefugueguy Oh of course! Alto clarinet is my first love in the clarinet family and what I learnt clarinet on.
Can't tell you how much I love this.
Thanks so much Bret. Glad you enjoyed the vid.
I have your Bandestration books and they're a wonderful resource; I refer to them regularly. Am following the Greatbassoon project too with interest (former bassoonist here).
@@danthefugueguy Glad you're enjoying them! I will get the next two volumes out at some point as well as a revision of Volume 1. We should chat sometime about the Greatbassoon and composing for it :)
Great news about the next volumes. Looking forward to that. Yes, absolutely up for writing for Greatbassoon and including it in future works.
I have to say I'm in complete agreement with you, Bret, that if bands shifted even ONE of their surplus 3rd clarinet players onto a second alto clarinet, people would stand a chance of hearing it. I also agree with your assertion that the F alto (or basset horn) should be the standard key, and if it has the full range to low C you're not even losing anything. But I'd be willing to settle on adding a low D to the E♭ alto, so that the two instruments become functionally interchangeable, and whichever one survives is better than neither.
Great video! I agree that there needs to be more alto clarinet representation. Such a beautiful & unique sound
Thank you for the comment. I am a real fan of the Alto. I think it's a very expressive instrument which is unfairly ignored. It has a lot of potential as a melodic voice. I'm hopeful to get a commission to write a concerto one day!
YO ITS THE MAN HIMSELF 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹
I play bass clarinet. I love learning about these instruments that are never even brought up! Thanks Dan!
Thanks so much. Glad you found the vid useful.
This is an absolutely incredible video and wish every professional level clarinetist and composer could see this immediately. Thank you so much for making such a lovely presentation of the alto.
Thank you for the feedback. Much appreciated! Hoping more composers will realise the instrument's potential.
Dude, the lick killed me. 😀😀😀. Fantastic video production and high quality content
Thought it was the best way to demonstrate the orchestration examples in a few bars! Thanks for the feedback. 👍
14:38 - THE LICC !
The "toss someone on it who isn't as good" and "this doesnt' get properly maintained" angles against the alto are completely valid. Heck, they even stick to the Bass too.
I WANTED to play Bass Clarinet in high school. I was given a cheap plastic Bundy, but it was well maintained. I practiced a lot on it and learned how to play it with a good solid tone. My preferred instrument at the time was and still is today, the tenor sax, but I got started as a clarinetist in elementary school and figured the Bass would be a nice change, and it was.
I didn't mind that the parts were generally simplified, as I was playing tenor 1 in the jazz band with tons of soloing, and had other projects as well.
Fast forward a bit, I went to university for music. Oddly and yet not, my major was voice, but I signed up for the top band at the school as a freshman, auditioned on BASS CLARINET and got in.
They had a wooden Pedler bass with pads that fell out as you played it. Even still, all my bandmates were like "hey man, you actually get a sound out of that thing, what's the secret?" and "WOW, a Bass that doesn't sound like a homesick duck!".
I was able to demonstrate the need to the school to get the instrument properly serviced, they did, and I continued in the upper bands until priorities changed.
Alto wasn't even present at either the university or high school. I was always interested in it also but never spent time on one. Heck, I never even bought my own bass.
Hmm... I wonder what a plastic Bundy goes for... off to eBay.
As an extra, I'll note that the plateau key nature of the alto and bass make them a thousand times more attractive to me than the "regular" clarinet (and even the Eb). When I have to concentrate on notes I tend to "miss" a tiny bit with my fingers, create a leak and boom, sound suffers. I KNOW that practice will help this, but again, I prefer sax.
A clarinet that fingers more like a sax and lets my embouchure actually shine is a wonderful thing, it's a shame plateau regular clarinets aren't more of a thing...
I was always of the mind that alto clarinets weren't desirable instruments throughout high school. When I entered college, our studio had an awesome clarinet choir and I had the opportunity to perform on alto for the first time. The instrument needed a little TLC but I absolutely fell in love with it. I bought a used alto a couple of years ago and have always wanted more music to play. I feel like every clarinet major needs to spend time on the alto, it really is a lot of fun!
About doubling low clarinets in a wind band: I once heard a medium-sized band with no less than three bass clarinets. I found the sound to be quite extraordinary: exceptionally rich, and definitely an improvement to overall balance.
It's a shame the idea of multiple low clarinets isn't pushed for more often in some bands. I agree that it does make a difference.
@@danthefugueguy I have an idea of proportions of clarinets for a concert band: assuming 1st, 2nd and 3rd Bb sopranos in equal numbers, then have as many Eb altos are one section of bb sopranos, same for Bb basses. Then, have half as many Eb sopranos as a section of Bb sopranos, same for contras (which could be Eb or Bb, depending on what the score specifies -- the same number of each). So, for instance, 12 B sopranos split 4+4+4, would mean 2 Eb sopranos, 4 altos, 4 basses, 2 contras (which could be 1 Eb contra-alto and 1 Bb contrabass, ro two Ebs, or two Bbs, depending).
@@timothytikker3834 Sounds ideal - really good spread of timbre from top to bottom. Definitely both Contra-Alto and contrabass as they sound great together and gives the composer more colour options. Shame the little Ab piccolo is so rare and temperamental!
@@danthefugueguy I had figured my group described above could have one Ab; perhaps one of the Eb sopranos could double on it, or it could be an additional member of the choir.
@@timothytikker3834 Yes - I think it'd work better as an occasional sound, so a doubling.
One other thing: the alto clarinet is FUN! I'm a semi-amateur sax/flute player/singer/songwriter (not classical), and I had an alto clarinet back in the 1980s. I don't even remember where or how I got it, but I did record it on one song (Solar Rolls Royce) and I also liked that it wasn't as big and cumbersome as a bass clarinet (not bad rapping the bc; I have one of those too). After I moved to New Mexico in 1988, I was placed in the position of having to sell off some horns, including a tenor sax, a baritone sax...and the alto clarinet. Pretty dire times, those. Lately, I've been thinking nostalgically about the alto clarinet. I already have a ridiculous number of horns, flutes, guitars, ukes, harmonicas, percussion etc. etc. but all instruments are fun in their own way. Now this video reignited the urge! Decisions, decisions...
Over 500 subscribers! Thank you everyone for your likes, comments, and support.
UPDATE: I have now finished my new piece for Alto Clarinet and piano. It's called 'Episodes' and in four movements.
US clarinet player Joe Clark will perform the work in 2022 alongside other new music for the Alto Clarinet.
#savethealtoclarinet
The biggest problem is that high quality alto clarinets for less than $13000 are NOT available!
Well, I was originally in the Berlioz camp of "The alto needs to be used a lot more, but I'll probably never write for it or play it over the basset horn", but you've convinced me otherwise. My friend at conservatory was right.
I graduated high school in 2000 and played alto clarinet. Oddly enough, I never learned Bflat clarinet. Began on alto, then worked my way down. I was on BBflat contrabass by senior year. It was a load of fun to play.
Great thing about alto clarinet is it is really easy to read bass clef parts (add three sharps) so I used to cover bassoon parts in lieu of a bassoon ever appearing in any band I played in.
The best instrument to cover bassoon parts is a contra alto clarinet. That's mostly what I do in our local amateur concert band. I use alto a lot when I play mostly-vocal duets with my singer/guitarist partner.
@@FlipnZeke perhaps but how many non-professionals can afford or have access to a contralto? Heck, 20~years ago when I was played semi-seriously none of us even heard of the contralto instrument.
I picked up the alto when I couldn't continue the Bb and I love it. In later years I went out and purchased one to enjoy playing it again and it's in good shape. I love the sound of the alto. I actually wrote an "Aequalis" for 3 Alto's and I might move the score to my channel (it's sort of an homage to Bruckner's Aequalis for Trombones solo). I have added the Alto in from time to time in larger pieces, but I prefer a more chamber/smaller quality to the instrument since, as you have noted, it doesn't get "much love". Knowing the qualities of the sound in each register is a huge help, as you note with moving a Bb clarinet in the 'throat' register to the alto where it's in the upper register after the 'break'. Thanks for making and sharing this video! Vive le alto!!
i just completed my first season on alto clarinet in a community band and enjoyed it so much. suprised at how good and interesting the parts were
That's good you found the parts interesting. Seems more composers understand the instrument's true potential.
I loved playing the E Flat Alto Clarinet in our small high school marching and symphonic band. We were a really small group of no more than 45 players, but we had outstanding musicians.
I don't know any alto clarinet concerto, but in 18th century the basset horn was being developed and the Mozart clarinet concerto was originally written for solo basset horn in G, the key was indeed G major and not A major. The concerto was then transposed a step higher and the solo instrument was a protoripe developed by Anton Stadler, a friend of Mozart, who was the "order picker" of this concerto. It was an A clarinet with the low estention down to low A (written low C) and in fact it was a basset horn in A. Today it's called basset clarinet and in the majority of cases, this concerto is played with standard A clarinet and the parts in the low register are transposed by an octave. Btw Mozart wrote other compositions for this instrument: 6 trios, k361 serenade for winds, and some minor pieces for mixed ensemble/voices...
Another that comes to my mind is Alessandro Rolla, a composer of the early '800. He wrote a proper basset horn concerto, the style is very mozartish, i like it, but unfortunatley there are not a lot of recordings. I reccomend you to check Paul Meyer's version, it is beautifully played
Thanks - really interesting and informative. I'll check out the Rolla.
I can honestly say I've never heard of an alto clarinet, but as someone who loves all things mellow, viola, English horn, etc., I'm glad you introduced me to it.
Beautiful!!! I am a professional performer solely on the Alto Clarinet Eb. I find myself in complete agreement that composers have always undervalued my instrument. I hope to spread a positive message and highlight the Eb alto clarinet as it deserves! This video is really interesting and constructive, thanks to those who made it, very good!
Thank you. That's great you're focussing on the Alto. It's a lovely voice!
I’m currently running a commission project for a new 15 minute work for alto clarinet & piano. Please go to www.gofundme.com/f/commission-a-new-alto-clarinet-piece where you can contribute.
As a reward you will be acknowledged as a donor in the score. If you donate above a certain amount, you will receive a pre-publication PDF or signed paper copy of the sheet music.
Clarinet sextet in 21st centry it's a regular member, ESSSAB.
@@gud2228 I for one(as an occasional arranger+composer) would opt for the combo for ESSAAB as a sextet- 2 Eb altos(or 2 F bassets) would provide a better balance overall as well as utilizing its middle & upper registers.
I have an alto clarinet also. It’s so much fun.
I used to play Alto Clarinet to supplement an intermediate band at my high school that had next to no tenor and bass voices aside from a couple of trombones. I enjoyed playing it. It sounded nice and it was as easy to play as a soprano clarinet. I also played contra alto to cover tuba parts.
I agree - it does sound nice! Good to hear it was easy to play. The wide range definitely makes it an asset.
Every band director and composer needs to see this! As an Alto player myself, our community band at one time had three altos in my section. It does indeed make a difference.
bass clari player who seconds on alto whenever I possibly can. I adore my bass, but I can't help but get giddy when our director pulls out the Granger and we have another bass or two to cover that line. I have a 1950s Selmer that still plays like a dream - and I can play rings around the darn 3rd clarinets or tenor saxes that I'm doubling in other situations. My previous director really hates alto clarinet, for Reasons (i'm assuming he had bad experiences with grade school bands), but I just played anyway when it was appropriate. Ah, the joys of community band :D
As a clarinet player who owns 6 sizes of clarinets (so far!), including alto, I really appreciate this video and the level of detail you've included. I love some good alto clarinet playing, and enjoy playing it myself. Your examples of the benefits of adding alto to band clarinet sections, starting around 15" in, are so useful and a GREAT demonstration of what the rest of the video is saying! Keep up the good work educating the world about music! btw, where can we find your arrangements?
Thanks for this well-thought analysis! I play alto clarinet along with "soprano" for jazz and popular songs. It goes deep enough to play as a bass instrument, which is great fun. I resurrected a neglected school-band Vito (excellent keywork). I use a high-quality (original hard rubber Vito) mouthpiece. An old Selmer C* works great too. I use a Hartmann Fiberreed Carbon Classic S synthetic reed. It blows very easily with great tone. In the mid-range and over the break, it has rich overtones that make it sound a bit like a baritone sax, which is precious.
I love how wide the range is of the Alto. Those low notes are very useful, and don't sound like a bass clarinet, which is good.
That's great about your refurbishing project. Must have been so satisfying to play it after all the work.
I agree the alto has a sax-like quality to it. If I wrote a concerto I'd imagine including a soprano or tenor sax in the orchestra to pair it with in a few duet passages.
I'm a bassoonist and percussionist. But if money were no object, I'd buy a professional Alto for sure!
For sure. The reeds I use are alto sax reeds. I think that is what most mouthpieces are designed to accept.
using selmer c* also and legere american cut synth reeds. horn is noblet wooden
This is a thing with alto instruments. Same thing with viola, alto trombone and alto sax (not as much as other but I have seen quite a few people saying tenor sax is superior). For me, i'm all for it! I prefer deeper toned instruments.
Alto trombone is another unfairly ignored instrument. A shame as trombonists love playing them (from speaking to the few I know).
10:30 I'm actually playing the alto clarinet in Emblems in my current band
This is a brilliant video! Informative, fun and inclusive of everyone. Bravo!
I restored an early 1960s Leblanc E-flat Alto, and I admit that it took a bit of time in fiddling with everything, in order to play as a Leblanc ought to play (with proper intonation). It is within 3 cents on every note in its range, plays with power when needed, ethereally during quiet passages, and many of the local ensemble people ask to borrow it, because of its fluidity and intonation.
I'm now working on a 1964 Leblanc Basset Horn in F, which is coming right along, and I can't wait to add it to the "family," knowing that it will perform as beautifully as the Alto.
Thank you for producing such a wonderful video.
That's great you were able to save a 60s instrument and give it a chance to be played again. Thanks for your comment!
Hello. I'm a sax major & clarinet minor. I played 20yrs in Marine Field Bands. I've played alto clarinet in Marine concert bands. It worked very well with full woodwind sections. Thank you for the Post. 👩🎷🎼🌸
This is a fantastic video. As a woodwind player who uses Alto, A Basset Clarinet & Basset Horn in the music I write and perform I think this information is invaluable.
Thanks for the comment. That's great you play all three. Is there much modern solo rep for Basset Clarinet out of interest?
@@danthefugueguy Mostly I use it for improvisation and pieces I write, which are a combination of ensemble music with notation and improvisation. I particularly like using it in a string or chamber ensemble setting. I also have a group of 4 clarinetists and in that group, it's right at home as a harmony or melodic voice, like you described.
I play the alto clarinet and I love the instrument.
Yes, I want to include a part for the alto clarinet in my variation series over a children's song for military band. It's very usueful and I will even give it some solos. Also, don't forget to use the lower register of the E flat clarinet - something that I think is often neglected.
I think it would sometimes be useful to have access to two E flat clarinets on top as well.
Yes, the low register of the E flat clarinet is a nice alternative colour for solos. I’ve used it combined with horn and that works well.
@@danthefugueguy Yes, how about doubling with the soprano saxophone so that both instruments are in their lowest registers, for isntance, serveing as a temporary base line for the wood winds in higher register (flutes, oboes and stuff)?
@@NidusFormicarum I do like the low notes on the E flat. They are a bit more edgy than the comparative notes on the B flat, so it's good to have that option when needed.
I often use the E flat as an additional oboe too. E flat on top then two oboes plus English Horn below.
I'm working on some Baroque-type concertos and writing one with alto clarinet sounds charming
That's great. Send me a link when it's ready - would love to hear it.
I can’t be the only one who just realized the 3 instruments in F are French *horn,* English *horn,* and Basset *horn*
I am an amateur and I own two alto clarinets (one Selmer Bundy (rubber) and one Selmer) and a bassethorn (Selmer). they were quite old ,but revised. I would love to learn some solo music on my alto. I use it also in chamber music (mixed clarinet quartet- 2B b, alto and base). For bassethorn a lot more solo music exists. It is NOT the same to play it. Really quite different (bore is wider on the Selmer alto, other mouthpiece etc). But I love them BOTH (I also have a Bb and an A clarinet and a cello). Thank you for writing for this beautiful instrument. I use the alto a lot in clarinet choirs too. very nice solo's. you can buy easily second hand alto clarinets (and get them to a repair shop). This is not the case for bassethorns. (I waited 3 years for it).
Thanks for putting this together! As a amateur player and designated oddball clarinet guy for our fairly serious local concert band (well, until a year ago for obvious reasons), I've always loved the alto clarinet. (Though spend most of my time on contrabass because that usually fits band balance best.)
One thing I'd like to point out which you could really lean into is just how accessible and clean the top register of the alto clarinet can be. It has the same ability as the lower clarinets to go far into the altissimo registers (just pulled out my alto for the first time in months and found I could grab a written E7 without much trouble, so sounding G on ledger lines above the treble clef) but doesn't suffer from the same weakness that I've found in bass clarinets in the upper clarion and lower altissimo registers. Tone up there is still clean, a lot like saxophone altissimo but with a good bit more focus.
Please keep us posted on how the work you're writing is going!
Thanks. That’s really interesting about the high register. You never hear an alto clarinet played high - written E7 is way higher than what I’d anticipate an alto could reach, so that is helpful to know. I think the highest I’ve ever written in a band work is D6 (concert F5).
@@danthefugueguy Would caution that the high altissimo is very much a "ask your soloist range" since a lot of bass clarinet players I've met just have not much experience with the higher register at all- band writing so rarely takes the low clarinets up there that they never get a chance to practice it. So folks coming over from bass clarinet may have a lot of challenges with that really high range. On the other hand, I started out on soprano clarinet and had six years of playing that before I touched an alto, so I had a whole bunch of experience controlling high notes before touching a lower clarinet.
Hopefully work like yours getting solo repertoire out there will encourage more folks to explore what the horn sounds like up in the range! Having a wind with a clean 4-octave range (kinda like being a string player) is really fun.
@@danthefugueguy As Thomas notes above, ask and verify if the high and altimissmo range of altos and basses are comfortable for players; many may have the opinion of 'why write so high when you have regular clarinets?!'.
I myself never even really considered high end alto or bass until I purchased a copy of Cornelius Boots' bass clarinet quartet transcription of Saint-Saëns' Danse Macabre, where the lead part goes up to a written C#7. Subsequent experimentation lead to my Low Clarinet transcription of Barber's Adagio, where both the lead alto and lead bass parts go up to written G7 (and wholly preserving the violins' registers at the climax). While it's much more difficult for the alto to get the written G7 to speak and sustain than the bass, a good player who's aware of the extreme upper tessatura shouldn't have too many issues so long as the notes aren't too technically demanding.
I've done a wind transcription of the 1st Movement a friend's unpublished symphony which calls for the alto holding the written E7 at the climax, with the Bb Clarinets below on moving lines; ultimately I hope low clarinet players aren't afraid of their top ends and ditch the 'rely on Bb and Eb clarinets for the upper stuff' thinking.
Related to the above, apparently contras have the potential to get in on the high action. While I've been able to get the contrabass up to written A6 and the contra alto to written F6, people like Jason Alder have been pushing the envelope. His documentation and research can be found at www.jasonalder.com/cbclresearch/
Picked it back up recently along with my Bb clarinet. Like OLD student ones. Alto is still easier for me to play. Still like it more.
Excellent informative video!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
My goal is to try to learn all clarinet one day (not octocontrabass) ive already done soprano and bass...
So i want to learn alto
There is a piece for alto clarinet & 'orchestra' i remember it from clarinet ensemble. Its a big 4 mvt piece i believe with every piece being solo for another major member of the clarinet family.
I am under the impression that most "alto" members of instrument families - human voice included - are not getting all the love they deserve.
I feel that even avid music listeners tend to go for the impressive high notes, the high passages that pierce the orchestral background. And the composers probably ask themselves, why making the effort of composing impressive solos for alto when a soprano will hover above the other parts by its own nature?
I think that, by neglecting the alto parts, we're missing out.
Definitely. Think how many song cycles for voice & ensemble exist where a soprano is called for, not an alto.
Even alto flute deserves more solo rep, like the alto clarinet.
This is extremely true. I posted a small part of a solo I had composed for Alto Clarinet on Reddit and was ripped apart for not putting it on the Bb because of the Alto’s “lack of depth” and “lack of good players.”
THEN flat out told me that it’s place as the alto (really the tenor) makes it an awful choice for a solo, which baffled me. It has never stopped other instruments within its range.
@@DividingInfinity Exactly the kind of sentiments we need to dispel. There is nothing which shows that the alto clarinet has no depth and no competent players. I feel the detractors you encountered have simply been exposed to band pieces that don't use the instrument well, coupled with instruments in need of repair, which is not usually the player's fault.
Great that you wrote a solo for it. Write more! 👍
@@danthefugueguy Exactly! I just don’t understand how someone can justify not writing for any instrument, it doesn’t make sense. If there are willing composers and willing players, why discourage them?
Do you have anywhere to support or donate for your works?
@@DividingInfinity Yes I agree. No reason to ignore or deride instruments.
Yes, if you check a pinned comment further up, I have a link to GoFundMe for the alto clarinet commission project!
This was a great video on the Alto Clarinet.
Thank you for the comment. Glad you enjoyed the vid.
Great video. My high school had an alto clarinet which I occasionally played, and although it was in poor condition, I loved the sound and range of it. I’d love to get my hands on my own alto clarinet.
I still have my first two musical instruments.. the Bb Clarinet from Elementary and a Alto Clarinet from junior high... btw parents bought the clarinet back in 1978..... love playing on the old sheet music I've kept since elementary.... parents could never afford the bass clarinet... I remember my parents spending $395 for a Bundy Alto Clarinet..
There is a piece for solo clarinet and orchestra, "Une couleur", composed by Luis de Pablo, which features the alto clarinet and other four members of the clarinet family. (It seems that it was originally written for saxophones, but I've listened to a version for clarinets here on RUclips)
Great, thanks for the heads up. I will check out the piece.
@@danthefugueguy ruclips.net/video/RwS5CQuDiMc/видео.html ☺️
absolutely love and appreciate this video! you should bring back this series, it’s great :)
I’ve been writing alto clarinet parts for existing concert band music of all levels to make it accessible for people who have the instrument to have the chance to play it in any piece with a true alto clarinet part and not a mere double! And on grade 5 and higher music I’ve been adding some divisi to encourage multiple players
I love you alto clarinet! In fact I'd buy one right now if I could afford it. Not only does it have beautiful depth but it's elegant styling is like a summer wind!
This is a fantastic and informative expose of the wonderful alto clarinet. Well done! May we hear lots of beautiful new music written for it…
And don't forget the curious alto clarinet in F. The fingering is the same as the Bb clarinet with low E sounding a 5th lower to A. Schneider composed two concerti for it back in Mueller's day. Mine is a Buffet-Crampon circa 1850. Today there's no big advantage to having an alto in F with the basset horn and alto in Eb around.
The way of assigning names to instrument families that makes the most sense to me is to have one range descriptor ("alto," "tenor,"...) per half octave, and if there are multiple sizes in a given half octave, further differentiate them by specifying the key. Under that approach, I'd be inclined to rename the clarinets this way ("contra-alto" is so awkward, and shouldn't be necessary if none of the one-word descriptors are skipped):
Ab -> sopranino
Eb -> soprano
Bb -> alto (in Bb)
alto -> tenor (in Eb)
bass -> baritone
contra-alto -> bass
contrabass -> contrabass
Where exactly to put the half octave boundaries is open to choice, but since most of the common sizes are in Bb or Eb, it's convenient to choose it such that Bb instruments don't share descriptors with Eb ones. For example, if one divides the octave into the fourth from F to Bb and the fourth from B to E, that would make the basset horn an alto in F, whereas if one divides it into the fourth from G to C and the fourth from C# to F#, the basset horn would be a tenor in F.
Good points.
I've always found it strange that the clarinet family omits the terms tenor and baritone when (a) they're very common vocal types and (b) the sax family use them for two of the most popular members in that group.
@@danthefugueguy It's even stranger in the flute family, where the omission has the consequence that the "bass" flute can only reach an octave below middle C, and the instrument that can reach C1 has to resort to the name "double contrabass." The names we get for families that were designed as consorts to begin with like the saxophones were are so much more coherent.
@@sashakindel3600 Yes well said. The saxes and recorders seem to have it sorted!
0:38 You neglected to mention Mozart's large number of works for multiple basset horns. He wrote them for members of his Masonic lodge to play together. They are absolutely exquisite. The clarinetists of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra made a wonderful recording of a them in 1986 as a double LP (later re-released as a double CD). It is out of print, but you can find it used on vinyl). It is called "Mozart: Music for Basset Horns." Highly recommended!
Thanks for the reminder. I was initially thinking of Mozart's use of the basset horn in larger scale works, but I will certainly check out the pieces you mention. Is the recording still available?
@@danthefugueguy The album is long out of print. The CDs are rare, but I have had good luck setting up a notification search on ebay. When they appear, they go fast.
The vinyl double-LP is readily available on eBay.
Whichever copy of the recording you find, you will be delighted!
Great vid! Really appreciate all of the historical context and really everything else in this vid.
Thanks for the comment. Glad it was helpful.
This is delightful!
I just started learning the alto clarinet not too long ago! My main instrument is alto sax, but when I started to learn this instrument, I fell in love with it. I think once I get it properly looked at it will function and sound much better. Thanks for this eye opening video!
Yes, get a good repairer to have a look at it and it'll serve you well for many years! It's a very underrated instrument.
Aspiring to do some arrangements for bands/uni orchestras I play in, and it's REALLY interesting to learn about an instrument that I didn't even know existed till after I graduated secondary school, thanks so much for sharing! Would really love for you to talk more about how to write for various instruments, especially those that are under-appreciated/misused in arrangements and compositions :D
I recently learned that the intro to Holst's "Fantasia on the Dargason" has the alto clarinet scored, making a duet with the well known alto sax part. Yet having heard many recordings and playing the piece a few times, I've never heard anybody playing alto clarinet in the piece.
The same is true of the famous clarinet solo in Grainger’s Molly on the Shore! In the original score, it’s written for Bb and alto clarinet. I don’t think I’ve *ever* heard the alto there. The next time one of my bands plays it, if I’m not on the solo part I’m going to grab my basset horn.
The reason is Holst didn't include the Alto Clarinet in his scoring. It was added later by the publisher.
I love the alto clarinet with my heart.
Kind of looks like you read my comments from 2 years ago and made a video based on them.
Oh well, glad you agree with me. :)
BTW, I wrote a full 4-movement concerto for alto clarinet and chamber orchestra back in the 1980s.
It's never been published or publicly performed, though I did get a reading of it. I also produced a
substantial thesis on extended techniques for the instrument. Feel free to contact me if you'd like more information.
your video is totally interesting and relevant, I feel myself positive about the alto clarinet now
I know a guy who switched to alto clarinet for an all-state high school band audition. He was first in the best band in the state... by default.
Love the discussion or how the alto clarinet went by the wayside in bands! My school has a pretty extensive selection of clarinets (5 altos, 9 bass, and 2 contralto) although I'm the only full-time non-soprano clarinetist (a saxophonist friend of mine learned contralto with me but only plays saxophone in concerts) and while the rest of the clarinets are in the instrument closet, the altos are up atop the lockers, all incredibly old and a few with corks and pads falling off. Of the 5 only 2 are playable and it's kind of tragic
Those altos need some love!
My senior year in band (many years ago), I think we had regular sopranos, one or two basses, a contra-alto, and a contra-bass (no alto though). Not too bad for a band with about 85 players. I played tuba, but was impressed with out low woodwinds (we also had a tenor and bari sax and a bassoon).
You Tube offers me this video, apparantly at random. I played alto clarinet for 6 years in school, and I don't think I've ever spoken the name for Google or other spyware to pull suggestions for.
Great video! Alto Clarinet needs more love for sure. At least half the music I played in school (1970s to 80s) I was given the 3rd alto sax part to play. Sigh.
I will definitely check out more of your channel.
Man now I want to buy an alto clarinet 🤣 I mostly play jazz and also some concert band and classical music sometimes, would be a nice adition! Just to add, the jazz sax legend Joe Lovano also plays alto clarinet and has recorded with it on a few records, along with a Tarogato.
alto clarinet sounds great for jazz. I heard som examples.
Tárogató is also such an amazing instrument!
tons for cheap on ebay. i got all mine there
I too love the alto clarinet/basset horn! Here is my thing though. As someone who plays in good adult amateur bands, it’s hard enough to find good orchestrations that take full advantage of the clarinets we have, outside of the masters (Holst, Grainger, Ticheli). So often the 3rds are kind of wasted and the bass isn’t using more than a tiny fraction of what it can do or is just totally inaudible as it’s doubling the powerful low brass. It would be awesome if people could skillfully use the alto instruments in all the ways you say. But I’d love to just get reliably good bass clarinet writing first. For as much as I love the alto instruments, the bass is just even more versatile and is usually terribly under-utilized.
I think the chamber music setting is where there is the most promise. Even for non-professionals, you’re more likely to have players of the skill required. You’re more likely to have access to a good instrument. And there is a lot of potential for using all of the instrument’s considerable capabilities, instead of trying to fill a niche between Bb3 and Bass. As an alternate instrument for the clarinetist in a reed or wind quintet, it could really open up the timbres you can get from the clarinet position - and the clarinet is already incredibly versatile! And its ability to blend with strings is terrific. Balancing a bass clarinet against (say) a string quartet isn’t super-easy, but a basset horn would be great (there is a tiny amount of repertoire that shows its potential, but you could do so much more).
Mostly what we use it for is to cover 3rd parts in clarinet quartets, and in larger clarinet ensembles. While it isn’t always the way to go, often the 3rd part can just be transposed for alto/basset and it significantly improves the blend in the group, since for most players the alto/basset will be much stronger in the low register and so support the rest of the ensemble better.
You touch on a more wider problem, which is essentially poor orchestration in lots of modern band pieces. I agree.
The issues I see are often lack of innovative writing in the woodwind particularly, and reliance on tutti passages which don't really showcase the band in a more symphonic way and instead it's just a loud juggernaut of sounds. Now that is fine as a texture in it's own right, in the right circumstances. But we have lots of composers writing, frankly, a lot of dross for wind band with some poor compositional techniques, such as overscoring (esp. percussion and brass), or ignoring potentially interesting timbral combinations and instead favouring rather bland sounds.
As long as the more astute composers continue to take care with their scoring, and that includes writing for instruments like the alto clarinet, that is a chunk of the battle won.
YESSSSS!!!!!! (not that I have an opinion... :D )
Older band pieces (way earlier than Ticheli) often wrote real alto parts---I've played them. Also, a lot of those orchestra transcriptions for band have alto, and some rockin' parts too......Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture is just one example. There's one page where alto switches back and forth between doubling low clarinets and doubling bass and saxes, and so the whole page is a major workout.....so much fun! But if your band is on a steady diet of 'new' composers, you won't get any of that, unfortunately.
Very cool video. I've noticed that majority of the music for concert band I've seen calls for alto clarinet but not E-flat clarinet or contra clarinet. So I'm a bit perplexed to hear that the alto is often considered obsolete.
Interestingly, I seem to have encountered less alto players for the occasional alto parts, but more often an E♭ sopranino or contra clarinet, as a concert band player. Not too sure if this is different for other people, but yes the sopranino and contras get ignored by concert band composers quite a bit more than altos, where as the availability's kinda switched.
But anyways, minus the fact I play soprano/alto/tenor sax, done rental bari before, and wish to try bass, I'd still like to see the alto clarinet join in more often along with other less common clarinets. Plus I'm quite sure some G treble flute (halfway between piccolo & C flute) or lower flutes would add some good sound too :) We especially need those candy canes' contributions.
P.S. I call alto/bass flutes candy canes, lol
I brought an alto for my collection from ebay, it plays alright, although i do want to get it fully serviced :)
(i only play as a hobby and i am fully self taught)
I'd love to do that too one day. I have a list of instruments I'd like to buy and teach myself. Hammered dulcimer, nyckelharpa, and alto clarinet to start with!!
@@danthefugueguy i think mine was 350 quid. ive also brought a bass clarinet, it needs a new joint as its broke and shoddily repaired, but luckily my brother is an engineer who is machine trained and he said he would repair it :)
2:53 YOOO THE CHIPPING SODBURY SHOUT OUT! That's where my family's from 🙃
Great video, thanks. I have one where I do a blind test between an alto and a basset horn, and I have to say it’s very close, with some of differences largely apparent due to deficiencies in my alto. I’ve gotten a Selmer now that I’ve had extended to D, with a custom neck that greatly improves response, and had a German basset horn mouthpiece custom made with an alto clarinet tenon. I’m planning on redoing my blind test with this instrument to see if anyone can really tell the difference. And no, no known alto clarinet concerti, however I know of a piece for Clarinet soloist with band where the soloist changes between the whole family of clarinets... so the alto has its moments as soloist, but not a dedicated work for the instrument.
That's interesting about the extension and using a basset horn mouthpiece. I will check your comparison vid out.
Thanks for the comment.
@@danthefugueguy the idea came from Steve Fox, who builds basset horns in 3 different bore sizes- small, medium, and large. His medium bore is 17mm, very close to a Buffet basset, but he says he likes to use the German basset horn mouthpiece, which is just slightly bigger than a Bb clarinet mouthpiece, as that still retains the historic small-bore quality of the basset, but with the projection and warmth of the larger bore. The selmer alto is also 17mm, so I thought I would try the same idea. And with the extension to D, it has the same range as the basset.
@@JasonAlder that's really interesting. So a hybrid of both the E flat and F instruments in effect. I imagine the extended low range is useful too. Always thought Gb2 was an odd bottom note.
@@danthefugueguy yes, as you touched on a bit, the bores of the alto and basset are all jumbled up. Historically, the basset horn was much closer to the Bb clarinet bore. The Selmer basset retains this idea and is 15.77mm, (soprano clarinets range from 14.6-15ish) and uses a soprano clarinet mouthpiece. Buffet is medium at 17.2mm and Leblanc large at 18mm, but both use alto clarinet mouthpieces. But the Selmer alto is 17mm, smaller than the Buffet basset (and the Buffet alto is only .3mm larger), and the Leblanc alto is 18mm, the same as its basset- so it really is a low C alto clarinet in F. So... bore size really has nothing to do with it anymore. The mouthpiece will have a much greater impact in its tonal colors. And yes, it makes little sense to go to the written Eb. Older altos went to E, same as a clarinet, the Eb started appearing when they started doing the same with bass clarinets, which was to facilitate playing parts for bass clarinet in A. It doesn't really make sense for the alto clarinet, especially when just going a semitone more to D is incredibly more practical.
It's funny how instrument makers all do their own thing like that, then we end up in this kind of situation where we encounter so many subtle variations in instrument construction.
Very informative. Thank you.
Great video 👏🏽👏🏽
Thanks - glad you enjoyed it
Thank you for this !
I remember trying out an Alto Clarinet back when I was about to graduate from high school. I must say, my high school's band teacher was just that cool. (He allowed me to take an instrument home to try out at least once a week, which technically I think that was something that was allowed.)
I'm not inherently sharp on how well I remember it, but the only note I can make is that it was rather interesting. (No puns intended.)
Plus I remember it was a really old instrument but I know it at least played, but I think it might have needed a bit of maintenance done on it for it to be more playable.
I played the contra alto clarinet in school in a clarinet choir and wind orchestra. The conductor was a big clarinet fan
Contra-alto is another underrated instrument.
So good I subscribed!
For some reason alto instruments always get lots of hate…first the viola, now the alto clarinet? Let’s give altos some love :D
I play Free Jazz, I was looking to a lower instrument than the B flat Soprano but easier to carry and play than a Bass clarinet : the Alto clarinet became my favourite clarinet.
That's great. I do think the alto sounds really good in jazz. It just sounds 'right'.
Love this content
I found this to be a very interesting and informative video. The comments about whether to call the alto clarinet a tenor clarinet reminds me of the fact that the (brass) alto horn is called a tenor horn in the UK.
In addition, the comments that the basset horn gets more parts, and often more intricate parts, than the alto clarinet in spite of their having similar ranges reminds me of comments I've read that the euphonium gets this kind of preference over the baritone horn.
I find this interesting because I'm interested in many kinds of instruments, having essentially a full range of brass instruments along with three 'soprano' Bb clarinets (one employing the Albert fingering) and a recently acquired Eb contra-alto clarinet. I played Bb bass clarinet in school although I don't own one.
Yes I remember it took me a while to twig that out tenor horn is the same as alto horn in the States. Yet in Mahler 7, the Tenor Horn part is often played in what we call a Baritone Horn in the UK at least.
Always confusion!
Thanks for your response, especially considering that this video is two years old. In the US we also have the Bb baritone horn. I recall reading that the "American" baritone (such as the Conn 14-I, which is what I also own) is fairly conical, making it intermediate between a "true" baritone and a euphonium.
If you want to experiment with writing for alto clarinet, I sampled my own and put it in my Sforzando instrument "Party Pipes". I've posted my demo tracks to mal-2.bandcamp.com/album/demos-and-drama and the instrument itself is linked from there. I extended the range by attaching bits of plumbing pipe that had very nearly the same inner diameter, and then stuck the bell on it, and got the equivalent of low D and C♯ out of it, and since it's sampled, it's trivial to let that sample play one semitone lower to get the effect of a low C, so I did. All this is included in Party Pipes.
Then I found that my bass clarinet is non-functional and I'm not inclined to repair it just to sample it, so I did some sample hacking to extend the range even further to cover the bass clarinet's low C. That's all included now, along with a Resonance control that can make the tone more bass clarinet-like (or more basset horn-like, if pushed in the other direction).
I've got a 1970 Noblet wooden alto clarinet and oh my, best clarinet I've ever played
An alto clarinet is on my wish list of instruments to learn. Not a clarinet player at all. But I'd like to try it!
@@danthefugueguy make sure you get yourself a decent quality one. I'd recommend a used Noblet, Buffet, Vito, or Selmer Paris
@@gavinolson932 There are always the Leblanc Altos on eBay, which are very affordable and easily restored. After all, the Leblanc ended up as the "big brother" of the Noblets, with incredible master craftsmen in la Couture-Boussy.
My alto is a Noblet, but before the known serial number lists that I've been able to find, so I'm estimating it was produced sometime in the late 1950s. It's a great horn, but I did have to bend the key checks to leave a number of keys in a more open posture than what the factory had them set at to get the sound to fully open up. Unfortunately, this threw off the intonation a little (nothing much though, still have played it in wind band with no trouble).
Would really love to build an alto myself- I'd like to build it as a straight horn with open tone holes, similar to the soprano clarinets, that way I could get the same kind of inflections that are available on my sopranos.
When I was in 9th grade, our band got a new alto clarinet. The band director asked me if I wanted to play it. At first, I said I was not interested, but when I saw that it placed me right next to the alto sax section, which featured 3 of the best looking girls in school, I said Hell yeah, I'll play the damn thing. The girls were fun, especially when riding the bus to the out of town games. But I did not give a shit about the alto clarinet - still don't.......
When I was in marching band I saw a school March both bass and alto clarinet I never saw an alto clarinet before let alone knew they existed
The Basset Horn is to the Alto Clarinet much as the Basset Clarinet is to the (soprano) clarinet - the basset instruments have an extended low range, an additional third. I think it is important to note that when comparing the alto clarinet and the basset horn. Despite how they might be pitched, in Eb or F, the significant difference is that extra keywork and 3 lower tones to written C, rather the E (or Eb) found on the basset clarinet and basset horn. Interestingly, the bass clarinet (as well as the contralto and contrabass) commonly extend to low C, but they don't get a special name. Perhaps because it is more standard than not. It's great to get support for the 'tenor' range of the clarinet voice. The scoring examples from 14:40 on were really something! I loved it, especially 16:00 on! I will look out for your alto clarinet concerto.
There is a snippet of a concerto by Mozart for basset horn in G, it became the seed that grew into the (basset) clarinet concerto in A, KV 622. There's a basset horn concerto from the same era by A. Rolla. There are probably more from the classical era....
What's interesting is the basset horn's lowest notes don't sound like the alto clarinet at all to my ears. They're definitely different timbres, however subtle it may be
The contra alto is another underused instrument. Planning on doing a video on that too.
Check out the fundraiser for the alto clarinet and piano piece in the pinned comment!
@@danthefugueguy I do think that the basset horn and the alto clarinet are best thought of as slightly different instruments, not the same thing just pitched differently and with an extension. I'd think it has to do with the bore size and conicity in the lower joint, but an acoustician or instrument maker would know best.
Speaking of the contra-alto, I'm sure you are aware of this:
ruclips.net/video/YVkse4-H9As/видео.html
@@philrichards9761 I agree. Yes the bore is the deciding factor in the difference in timbre.
I have seen clips of that Contrabass concerto. I need to make time to listen to the whole thing. The Contrabass is definitely more accepted than the contra-alto and it has lots more rep.
After thinking quite a while on the awkward naming of the clarinet family, a solution I think may work is as follows:
Bb contrabass -> Bb contrabass (no change)
Eb contra alto -> Eb bass
A bass -> A baritone
Bb bass -> Bb baritone
Eb alto -> Eb tenor (all future Eb altos should be extended to low C)
F basset horn -> F countertenor
G Turkish -> G contralto
A basset/soprano -> A alto (just calling it 'A Clarinet' would probably suffice; all future A's should be extended to low C)
Bb soprano -> Bb alto (continuing to call it just 'Bb Clarinet' would suffice; also, extend to low C)
C soprano -> C mezzo (probably left just as 'C Clarinet'; not common enough to justify low C extension :( )
D soprano -> D soprano (probably left just as 'D Clarinet'; not common enough to justify low C extension :( )
Eb soprano -> Eb soprano (probably just left as 'Eb Clarinet; should extend to low C)
Ab sopranino -> Ab sopranino
This would help line up with choral convention, and with the saxophones. Sadly, inertia and the sheer body of work with the current convention works against this.
I like the idea of calling the Bassett Horn a tenor as it reflects the ability of the instrument to play quite high.
Also the contrabass/contra alto renaming is similar to the group of 4 tubas in brass bands, which makes sense.
Hadn't considered renaming the bass clarinet a baritone. Again, it is very logical.
As you say though, convention is hard to shift. As Homer Simpson says, "People are afraid of new things. You should've just taken am existing thing and stuck a clock on it."
I did write a concerto for alto clarinet and clarinet choir. Maybe I can arrange it for orchestra.
One adaptation that would be useful would be to edit it down to soloist and piano. Then people can use it as an audition piece. Then still do the orchestral version, only with the benefit of a generation of young performers already familiar with the solo part.
@@mal2ksc I do have an arrangement for alto clarinet and piano :)
@@emilygclarinet I see you are one step ahead of me. Or three.
If I write a piece like that, I’d give the bassoon a solo or make it the solo instrument in general.
Michael Purves-Smith has written a concerto for alto clarinet and wind band "The Seven Deadly Sins". I both play and have written for the alto - I would love to get in touch about your concerto thoughts!
Thanks for the heads up. I haven't heard of Purves-Smith. Is there a recording available?
Yes, contact me via my website - address in description. I have been thinking about a concerto for a while, for alto and a medium sized chamber orchestra.
Also I’m keen on writing something for Contra-alto clarinet. Intend to do a vid on that too.
@@danthefugueguy I have given recitals on both alto and contra-alto! Happy to chat about this too. (I have sent you a message via your website!)
@@danthefugueguy The Eb contra has even less repertoire than the alto clarinet... and I'm fairly sure Joe played all of it in one of his recitals! But it's a wonderful instrument, I love mine.
@@JasonAlder yes I'd love to write a concerto for contra-alto too.
I'm going to send this to my band director
16:00 I do love the lick
k from now on I'm leaving 3rd clarinet out and adding alto for clarinet quartet.
that is called mixed clarinet quartet. I love it. It sounds so good. (I play alto in such a quartet).
In any small ensemble, it is generally a good thing to have a wider tonal palette. Alto clarinet provides this as well as useful bottom range to give the bass clarinet some momentary relief. Give me four different color crayons, not three red ones and a blue!
Actually my schools alto clarinet, which was in the back of the storage room so I saved it. The middle register/actually on the staff section actually doesnt even come out. Like above high B.
I really wish Basset Clarinets were more common, they're so damn cool
my FAVORITE clarinet!!!!
I did once start writing a concerto for alto clarinet but the player fell sick and pulled out at a fairly early stage. I didn't want to abandon the work but there was no instrument with a comparable range so I re-imagined it as a double concerto for alto sax and bassoon, which worked perfectly well. I still wonder how it would have turned out in its original version?
Sounds really interesting. I think there'd be no issue whatsoever in arranging a second version for solo Alto Clarinet as well.
Woodwind technician here. The part about alto clarinets not being maintained is the major point in this video, they are always in the most dreadful condition and are rendered nearly unplayable.
Such a shame they're left in that state. Just reinforces the 'anti-alto' sentiment.