Huge and rarely seen, it makes a wondrous low sound unlike any other from an acoustic instrument. Contrabass clarinets come in different shapes, but all have loops and some double loops. The instrument is a favourite of Esa-Pekka Salonen, who exploits its other-worldly timbral qualities in his Violin Concerto.
Contrabass Clarinet
The contrabass clarinet descended from a weird, short-lived late 18th-century instrument called the batyphone into another weird instrument that might be likened to the deep sea monster of the orchestra.
Endowment opportunities at the Philharmonia offer supporters unique access and insights to our players. Find out more here:
Introduction
Frequency Range
73 – 698 Hz
Tube Length
275 cm
Did you know?
The contrabass clarinet is sometimes referred to as the pedal clarinet, referring to an analogy between its low notes and the pedal notes of the trombone or the organ.
Video
The Orchestral Woodwind Section: An Introduction
The woodwind section is one of the most sonically diverse sections of the orchestra. Find out all of their secrets in this film.
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