Clarinet
Clarinete
- Date
- c. 1700 · confidence medium
- Place
- Nuremberg, Germany
- Credited to
- Johann Christoph Denner
- Field
- Tools
What it is
Denner added a register key to the chalumeau, a single-reed instrument, enabling a new higher register and giving rise to the clarinet. Its versatile timbre made it a pillar of the classical orchestra.
The key system was substantially expanded later, especially with the Boehm system adapted by Klosé in 1839–1843.
What it led to
- Incorporation of the clarinet into the classical orchestra
- Solo clarinet repertoire (Mozart, Weber)
- The modern clarinet family (bass, contrabass)