Important Events in Clarinet History by Date Flashcards
1600’s
Female students at Venetian conservatories play the violin, flute, organ, oboe,
bassoon, cello, double basses, French horn, and harpsichord.
1700
Denner invents clarinet
1704
M.A. Ziani’s “Caio Pompilio” uses the chalameau.
1700’s
Women play piano, harp, and guitar for domestic entertainment.
1713
The clarinet is mentioned by Mattheson in his “Newly Organized Orchestra.”
1720
The chalameau is used in J. A. J. Faber’s Mass “Maria Assumpta.”
1721
By this date the instrument is already known in Italy as “Clarone”
1728
A concerto for chalameau is played in Paris.
1738
J.T. Eisel in the “Musicus Autodidactus” states that the speaker key gives Bb
instead of B, as before.
1740
1740: Handel’s Overture in D for two clarinets and horn.
1740’s
Molter’s clarinet concertos
1742
Mr. Charles, “the Hungarian,” plays a clarinet concerto in Dublin. (He was one of
the first traveling clarinet soloists.)
1749
Rameau’s “Zoroastre” uses clarinets
1750
Clarinets now begin to make real progress in the orchestra. The clarinet uses
barrels of different lengths. Approximate date of the Stamitz’s Clarinet Concerto
1751
Rameau’s “Acante and Cephis” uses clarinets. Haydn’s first used of the clarinet in
his “First Mass.”
1762
Jean Jacques Rousseau’s Emile on education – underlined the importance of
women to be entirely subordinate and dependent on their husbands.
1762
Thomas Arne’s Artaxeres uses clarinets. J.C. Bach’s Orione uses D and Bb
clarinets
1764
Gluck’s Orfeo uses clarinets. Mozart makes a copy of Abel’s Symphony Op. 8,
No. 6, in which clarinets replace the more usual oboes.
1767
Diderot and Alembert’s “Enclopedie” shows a two-piece chalameau with eight
finger holes, a detachable mouthpiece, and a single reed.
1769
Gluck’s Alceste uses clarinets.
1770
Five-key clarinet.
1772
Joseph Beer plays a clarinet concerto by Stamitz in Paris. The bass clarinet is
invented by Giles Lot in Paris
1776
Diderot and Alembert’s “Encyclopedie” describes a six-key clarinet
1776-78
Clarinets are used by Haydn in the Estherhazy orchestra.
1777
Mozart hears the clarinet in Mannheim.
1778
Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante.
1779
Gluck’s Iphegenie en Tauride uses clarinets.
1781
Mozart’s Serenade for Thirteen Wind Instruments.
1782
Mozart’s Serenade for Winds in C Minor
1783
Mozart’s Five Divertimenti for Two Clarinets and Bassoon.
1784
Mozart’s Quintet for Oboe, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon, and Piano.
1786
Mozart’s Trio for Clarinet, Viola, and Piano in Eb. Theodore Lotz invented the
basset-clarinet for Anton Stadler in Vienna.
1789
Mozart’s Quintet in A Major for Clarinet and Sting Quartet.
1790
Jean-Jacues Baumann developed six-key clarinet with Leférvre in Paris.
1791
Mozart’s Concerto for Clarinet in A Major (begun in 1789 and completed in
1791).
1797
Beethoven’s Quintet in Eb for Piano, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn, and Bassoon, op. 16.
Beethoven’s Trio for Clarinet, Piano, and Cello, op. 11.
1800-1810
Ivan Müller introduces in metal ligature for the clarinet.
1800
Six-key clarinet now fairly common, although the five-key clarinet is more
popular.
1805
The Schleichers Trio, family trio with the father on bassoon and two daughters on clarinets, tours Germany and Switzerland.
1807
Milan Conservatory is founded
1808
Rev. Frederick Nolan of Colchester introduces ring keys. Dumas invents the
contrabass. J. H. G. Streitwolf developed his eleven-key clarinet in Göttingen for
Hermstedt, for whom Spohr wrote his clarinet concertos.
1809
Iwan Müller invented Müller system clarinet in Paris. A. Reicha’s clarinetist,
Boufil used Müller-system clarinet. Hermstedt uses a gold mouthpiece with a
silver lay, a silver facing. Rossini’s Introduction, Theme and Variation
1810
Beethoven’s Sextet in Eb for two clarinets, two horns, and two bassoons, op. 71.
In Berlin, Griessling & Scholott sold his ten-key clarinet to Heinrich Baermann,
for whom Weber wrote his Concertino and Concerto No. 1 & 2.
1811
Weber’s Concertino in Eb, op. 26, Weber’s Concerto No. 1, op. 73 & No. 2, op.
74. Heinrich Grenser developed his eleven-key clarinet for Crusell in Dresden
1817
Vienna Conservatory is founded
1812
In France the reed is being played on the bottom instead of the top of the
mouthpiece. Ivan Mueller appears in Paris with a thirteen-keyed clarinet. Cordula
Ostiggenberg (née Schleicher) is the first woman appointed as salaried principal
clarinetist.
1814
Spohr’s Octet Op. 32.
1815
Beethoven’s Three Duos for Clarinet and Bassoon. Weber’s Introduction, Theme,
and Variations, Op. 33. Weber’s Quintet for clarinet and strings Op. 34.
1816
Weber’s Grand Duo Concertante for clarinet and piano. Op. 48. Woman
clarinetist, Margaret Knittel appeared in a concert in Germany; she is also the first
woman clarinetist to appear in the US.
1818
First report of a metal clarinet (made in brass).
1821
Donizetti’ Studio Primo for solo clarinet.
1823
The Royal Academy of Music in London is founded. Rollers for the left-hand
little finger developed by C. Janssen.
1824
Schubert’s Octet in F Major.
1825
Caroline Krähmer (née Schleicher)’s Sonatine pour Piano avec Clarinette ou
Violon Oblige. Now the clarinet has eleven keys. German silver begins to replace
brass for the key and metal work on the clarinet.
1828
G. Streitwolf of Goettingen invents the basset horn. Schubert’s The Shepherd on
the Rock for soprano, clarinet, and piano.
1832
Brussels Conservatory is founded
1833
R. Wagner’s Adagio for Clarinet.
1834
Beethoven’s Octet for two oboes, two clarinets, two horns, and two bassoons, Op.
103.
1835
Ernst Krähmer’s Duo Concertant for Oboe and Clarinet, for him and his wife.
Les Huguenots by Meyerbeer with the famous bass clarinet solo.
1837
Buffet introduces steel needle springs for flute. Later used on the clarinet.
1838
Rod axles invented by Buffet, Jr.
1839
Caroline Krähmer and her sons performed a trio for clarinet, cello, and piano in
Vienna.
1840
Cupped keys in general use.
1842
Ernesto Cavallini performed his own Fantasia in Paris, using six-key clarinet.
Cavallini inspired composer such as Rossini and Verdi.
1843
Louis-Auguste Buffet jeune and Hyacinth Klosé developed Boehm-system
clarinet in Paris.
Leipzig Conservatory is founded
1844
Boehm clarinet is patented.
1848
Eugène Albert invented Albert-system clarinet in Belgium. English clarinetist
Henry Lazarus used Albert-system clarinet.
1849
Schumann’s Fantasy Pieces
1850
Cologne Conservatory is founded.
Georg Ottensteiner and Carl Baermann developed Baermann-system clarinet in
Munich. This clarinet was used by Richard Mühlfeld, for whom Brahms
composed his works for clarinet at the end of his life.
1853
Ebonite is used for some mouthpiece.
1856
Dresden Conservatory is founded
1857
Bern Conservatory, Chicago Conservatory, Peabody Institute of Music are
founded.
1864
Carl Baermann published Volleständige Clarinett-Schule in Offenbach.
1865
Oberlin Conservatory is founded
1867
New England Conservatory, Cincinnati Conservatory are founded.
1869
Berlin Conservatory is founded.
Reeds are being made by machine
1875
G. Berthold of Speyer makes two ivory clarinets for the virtuoso Heinrich Graeff.
1877
Rimsky-Korsakoff’s Clarinet Concerto with band accompaniment.
1878
Frances Thomas performs second clarinet beside Lazarus in the Crystal Palace
Orchestra. Frankfurt Conservatory is founded.
1881
Frances Thomas is a soloist in a concert of the Dundee Ladies Orchestra in
England. R. Strauss’ Serenade for Thirteen Wind Instruments.
1887
Oskar Oehler invented oehler-system clarinet in Berlin. Today’s clarinetists
Sabine Meyer and Karl Leister use this system.
1889
Evette and Schaffer’s Boehm clarinet wins the Grand Prize at the Universal
Exhibit at Paris over the Albert Clarinet.
1890
Mouthpiece caps are made of metal.
1891
Brahms’ Trio in A Minor for Clarinet, Cello, and Piano. Brahms’ Quintet in B
Minor for Clarinet and Strings.
1894
Brahms’ Sonata No. 1 & 2, op. 120.
1898
Widor’s Introduction et Rondo Op. 72.
1899
A. Messager’s Solo de Concours.
1900
Max Reger’s Two Sonatas for Clarinet and Piano Op. 49. Augusta Holmès’
Fantaisia for clarinet and piano.
1903
Hahn’s Sarabannde et Theme Varie
1905
Juilliard is founded
1906
Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro for Harp, String Quartet, Clarinet, and Flute.
1908
Reger’s Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, op. 107. Reger’s Quintet in A for Clarinet
and Strings, op. 107.
1909
Debussy’s Premiere Rhapsody for clarinet and piano (orchestrated 1910-11)
1911
R. Strauss’ Suite for Winds
1914-1918
World War I
1916
Daniel Bonade was appointed the principal of Philadelphia Orchestra, using
Boehm-system clarinet.
1918
Busoni’s Concertino Op. 48. The Civic Orchestra of Chicago founded
1919
D. G. Mason’s Sonata for Clarinet and Piano. Stravinsky’s Three Pieces for solo
clarinet.
1921
Simeon Bellison joined New York Philharmonic, using Oehler-system clarinet
1923
Hindemith’ Quintet Op. 30
1927
D. Milhaud’s Sonatine for clarinet
1928
Neilsen’s Concerto Op. 57.
1932
Pauline Juler makes her debute on the Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto. Hindemith’s
Ploener Musiktag.
1933
E. Bozza’s Fantasie Italienne.
1937
Pauline Juler premières Howard Ferguson’s Four Short Pieces Op. 6.
1938
Mary Lucas (née Anderson)’s Sonata for clarinet, dedicates to Pauline Juler.
1939-1945
World War II
1939
Hindemith’s Sonata for Clarinet.
1941
L. Bernstein’s Sonata for Clarinet and Piano.
1942
Milhaud’s Clarinet Sonata; L. Sowerby’s Clarinet Sonata.
1943
Pauline Juler recorded Ferguson’s Octet in D minor of clarinet, bassoon, horn,
string quartet.
1944
Finzi’s Five Bagatelles, dedicates to Pauline Juler.
1945
Stravinsky’s Ebony Concerto.
1947
Marian McLaughlin’s Sonatina for clarinet and piano.
1948
Ulysse Delécluse was appointed professor at the Paris Conservatoire, for whom
Milhaud wrote Duo Concertant Op. 351. Delécluse used Boehm-system clarinet.
1949
Finzi’s Clarinet Concerto, dedicates to Pauline Juler who is retiring from
performing career due to marriage; the concerto is prèrmièred by Frederick
Thurston. Copland’s Clarinet Concerto and Hindemith’s Clarinet Concerto were
commissioned by American Benny Goodman, using Boehm-system clarinet,
brand Selmer. Shirley M. Mackie’s Five Dialogues for clarinet and piano
1950
Shirley M. Mackie’s Inventions for clarinet and piano.
1952
Shirley M. Mackie’s Sonatine for clarinet and piano.`
1953
Robert Marcellus was appointed the principal of Cleveland Orchestra, using
Boehm-system clarinet.
1954
Georgina Dobrée commissiones Elisabeth Lutyen’s Valediction Op. 28 for clarinet and piano.
1955
Thea King joins Portia Wind Ensemble.
1956
Thea King is principal clarinet of the London Mozart Players until 1984.
1957
Shirley M. Mackie’s Aria Concertata Nos 1 and 2 for soprano, clarinet, and
piano.
1959
German clarinetist Karl Leister joined the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under
the baton of Herbert von Karajan
1960
Shirley M. Mackie’s Questions for Americans for soprano, clarinet, and piano
1961
Michelle Zukovsky joins Los Angeles Philharmonic as principal in the US
1964
Shirley M. Mackie’s Three Latin Dances for five clarinets and Four Trifles for
two flutes, clarinet, and piano.
1965
Barbara Kolb’s Rebuttal for two D-flat clarinets
1966
Bennett’s Crosstalk for two basset horns, dedicates to Thea King.
1967
Georgina Dobrée becomes professor at the Royal Academy of Music until 1986.
1968
Shirley M. Mackie’s Concertino for clarinet and band; Three Movements for solo
clarinet; From the Shore for soprano and clarinet; Goodbye for soprano and
clarinet; The Ironwood Tree for soprano and piano.
1969
Margaret Susan Brandman’s Clarinet Miniature for clarinet and piano, Trio for
two clarinets and bassoon.
1971
Margaret Susan Brandman’s Trio for two clarinets and cello.
1972
Elsa Ludewig-Verdehr forms the Verdehr Trio. Moris Pert’s Luminos Op. 16a for
a basset horn and piano, dedicates to Georgina Dobrée.
1974
Thea King joins the Melos Ensemble.
1975
Georgina Dobrée forms a record company Chantry Recording, and commissions
Elisabeth Lutyen’s This Green Tide Op. 103 for basset horn and piano. Elma
Miller’s Duo for clarinet and double bass, Vinderdi Vaenderdi for clarinet and
French horn.
1976
Morris Pert’s Eoastrion Op. 30 for E flat clarinet and tape. dedicates to Georgina
Dobrée.Bunita Marcus’ Quintet for clarinet, bass clarinet, and three percussions.
Elma Miller’s Duo for clarinet and piano.
1977
Margaret Susan Brandman’s Permutation for clarinet and piano. Bunita Marcus’
Apogee Three for solo clarinet. Marlyce Rae Polk Reed’s Three Short Dialogues
for three clarinets.
1979
Elma Miller’s Kalur for clarinet solo
1980
Thea King commissions Elizabeth Maconchy’s Fantasia. Gordon Jacob’s MiniConcerto, dedicates to Thea King. Georgina Dobrée commissions John Mayer’s
Dance Suite.
1982
Marlyce Rae Polk Reed’s Clarinet Rhapsody No. 1
1983
Sabine Meyer is hired by the Berlin Philharmonic conductor Karajan, but got
voted out by orchestra members.
1985
Thea King commissions and premières Howard Blake’s Concerto. Steve Reich’s
New York Counterpoint, dedicates to American clarinetist Richard Stoltzman.
1989
Louis Cahuzac wins the First Prize Paris Conservatoire, for whom Milhaud wrote
Sonatine.
1994
Caroline Hartig commissions and premières Libby Larsen’s Dancing Solo at the
Carnegie Hall with Boehm-system clarinet.
1997
Vienna Philharmonic admits its first woman (harpist)
2002
English clarinetist Julian Bliss performs at Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee
(during the Prom at the Palace)
2011
Israeli clarinetist Sharon Kam released her Mozart CD.
2016
Swedish Martin Fröst released his new CD “Root.”
