IMSLP Forums

The Clarinets are incorrect on the work page.

There are six parts:

Clarinet in Eb
2 Clarinets in Bb
2 Clarinets in A
Bass Clarinet

For the moment, I've listed it as clarinet in E-flat, 4 clarinets in B-flat and A, bass clarinet in B-flat. I've played this opera, and I can't remember whether the 4 clarinets stay on one instrument throughout the whole opera, i.e. 2 on A throughout and 2 on B-flat throughout. At the moment, IMSLP only has parts for Dance of the Seven Veils, but I've listed it in such a way that it could be either. I also want to check the Strauss excerpts books, because I suspect the bass clarinet part might be in A sometimes. At least for now it lists 6 clarinets, not 4.

I have performed the opera (I'm a clarinettist).

The Clarinets do not change key. Strauss often set up his section that way - see Elektra and Symphonia Domestica.

I did a quick scan of the opera score and do not see any Bass Clarinet in A. On the Dover instrumentation page it is listed as "Bass Clarinet in Bb".

OK, thanks -- I'm also a clarinetist, but I played it about 12 years ago, too long ago to remember swapping or not . . .