Hi everyone, just after an opinion on the use of clarinets in Debussy's Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune.
I think many will agree that the piece itself is relatively simple on a technical basis, but musically is rather complex requiring a sensitive approach to one's tone and how they blend with the rest of the ensemble.
My question is, do you think the piece should have been scored for just a single instrument for each clarinettist rather than require two very quick changes to a cold Bb/A instrument? Personally I think it was a odd and bad choice on whoever made that choice's part, be it Debussy or the editor. Scoring the whole piece on Bb makes more sense to me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_d_nfbrIY4M
ClassicsExplained is a YouTube channel which creates fun and education videos about classical music!! Check it out guys!
)