17

THE CLARINET IN MOZART'S OPERAS

Reader, Ph. D. ECATERINA BANCIU "Gheorghe Dima" Music Academy Cluj-Napoca

Ecaterina BANCIU, musicologist. Ph.D. in Music – Musical Aesthetics (2006), Reader (Conducting Department, discipline: Score Reading). Publications in: Lucr ri de Muzicologie (Musicology Works), the journals: Muzica, Intermezzo and Studia Musica. Books published: Arhetipuri estetice ale rela iei ethos-affectus în istoria muzicii (Aesthetic Archetypes of the Relationship between Ethos and Affectus in Music History) (2006) and Itinerarii muzicologie: Mozart, Puccini, Todu , Terényi(Musicological Itineraries: Mozart, Puccini, Todu , Terényi) (2009).

The history of the clarinet has not yet been completely figured out: its primitive form,

of end-blown pipe-type wind instrument, with a single free beating reed (idioglot type),

recently discovered in Africa (Benin, Ciad, Mali, Upper Volta, Nigeria) contradicts the old

theories regarding the Middle Eastern origin of the clarinet26. During the Ancient Egyptian

empire there existed a double or triple clarinet, a variant of straight flute (pipe) made of cane,

as evidenced by a bas-relief dated 2700, preserved in the museum of Cairo.

Ancient Greece has left us the image of a historical clarinet in the form of the single

reed aulos, represented on frescoes or painted vases and considered by organologists to be the

ancestor of the chalumeau. The chalumeau underwent several changes and evolved into the

European clarinet. The man credited with the development of the clarinet was J. Ch. Denner, a

German instrument maker from Nuremberg. In 1690, Denner took a two-keyed chalumeau

and added a third key to its upper part, i.e. to the part producing a maximum of vibrations and

a minimum of air speed, thus creating a whole new register for the instrument.

Officially, Denner introduced the clarinet under this name in 1701. The shrill timbre of

the new register of the clarinet was called clarino by its constructor and was similar to the

high-pitched sounds of the soprano trumpet.

26 Valeriu B rbuceanu, Dic ionar de instrumente muzicale, Editura Teora, Bucure ti 1999, p. 60.

18

Ivan Müller added 7-8 more keys to Denner's 4-5 keyed clarinet and improved the

instrument by fitting it with a ring system. By applying the Böhm system to the clarinet, the

Frenchman Buffet managed to produce any key in an incredibly wide range of dynamics27.

There is no exact record as to when the clarinet was first used in musical practice, as it

was often marked as chalumeau or clarino, and its part performed by the flutist or oboist.

Church instrumental ensembles used a small clarinet instead of the trumpet due to its more

appropriate timbre.

K. Birsak mentions Valentin RathgE flater's piece (1728) as the oldest church concerto

in which a clarinetto vel lituo was used (lituus-horn, trumpet)28. Toward the end of the

Baroque period, in improvisational salon music, the clarinet was preferred to the trumpet.

In opera, the clarinet was first used by M. A. Ziani in Caio Pompilio (Italy 1704), and

later by A. M. Bononcini in Conquista delle Spagne (1707). In Hamburg, in 1710, Reinhard

Keiser wrote a score for clarinet for the opera Croesus, then Vivaldi used it in Italy (1716,

Juditha triumphans), J. Ph. Rameau in France (1749 – Zoroastre and 1751 – Acante et

Céphise), and J. Ch. Bach in England (1762, Orione). In a late copy (1744-1745) of Händel's

opera Tamerlano (1724), the original cornet part was replaced by clarinets. Stamitz composed

a Symphony with clarinet and hunting horns (1755), and J. Haydn wrote a Trio from the mass

Incarnatus for two clarinets and bassoon. The Bohemian clarinet of Mozart's time had already

evolved somewhat further, and especially its chamuleau register was more fully exploited by

him than by other composers. His admiration for the timbre of this instrument can be seen in a

letter to his father: "Oh! If only we had clarinets! ", he regretfully wrote in 1778, after his visit

to Mannheim29.

The origins of the alto clarinet (the basset horn), like those of the clarinet itself, have

not yet been completely elucidated. The Oberhaus Museum of Passau holds a basset-horn

inscribed with the following words „ANT MITCH MAYRHOFER INVEN. & ELABOR.

PASAVII”, which was built by Mayrhofer in Passau, in 1760.30

Mozart was especially attracted to the basset horn31, which he used mostly in his

Masonic works; in the pieces for three instruments he wrote the violin key for the first two

(the sound effect being 5 ) and the bass key for the third (4 ). The Serenade in B flat

27 Wilhelm Demian, Teoria instrumentelor, Editura Didactic i Pedagogic , Bucure ti, 1968, p.111. 28 Valeriu B rbuceanu, op. cit., p.61. 29 The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, Macmillan Publishers Ltd., London, 1992, vol. 5. p. 906. 30 Idem, vol. 2, p. 867. 31 The 1st movement of the Concerto for clarinet, K. 622 was originally written for basset clarinet (1787, G major - K 621b).

19

K.361/370a, the Requiem K.626 and the four nocturnes for soprano and baritone,

accompanied by basset-horn, use the version tuned to F; the Nocturne K.437, otherwise

incomplete, mentions a basset-horn in G and two clarinets in A.

Samuel Adler, in his Study of Orchestration, presents the Basset horn as a tenor

clarinet (written c-e3, effect F-a2), while the alto clarinet is considered to be the one in E flat

(written e-e3, effect G-g2)32. The term basset should be interpreted as the diminutive form of

bass. Its distinct tone-quality has been described as "unctuous seriousness". This quality is

reflected in the operas: Die Zauberflöte, (Act II, Sarastro - "O Isis und Osiris"), Requiem,

Agnus Dei, "Dona eis requiem" (in bars 14-17). During the ensuing centuries, it was quite

rarely used. We find it, for example, once in Beethoven, in Prometheus (1800-1801), in

Mendelssohn-Bartholdy in two concertante pieces for clarinet, basset-horn and piano (1832-

1833), in R. Strauss in the operas Der Rosenkavalier (1910, act I, Introduction), Daphne

(1937, in the beginning) and in the wind sonatinas (AV139 and 143) and in Strawinski in

Threni (1957-1958, for alto clarinet or basset-horn) 33.

Although most of today's performances use clarinets tuned to B flat and A, there have

been attempts to reconstruct Mozart's original scores in which the basset-horn or basset-

clarinet was used. The latter is used or manufactured solely for the performance of the

Concerto or aria "Non più di fiori” in the opera La Clemenza di Tito.

From the more than twenty stage works preserved, eight operas and a ballet include

the clarinet in their orchestration, while three also include the basset horn.

MOZART'S STAGE WORKS

GENRE K.V. 1st perf. YEAR/PLACE

INSTRUMENTATION

Apollo et Hyacinthus mythological musical comedy

38 1767 - Salzburg 2Ob., 2Bsn., 2Hn., Strings

Bastien und Bastienne singspiel 50 1768 - Vienna 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Hn., Timp, Strings, (2Bsn. and Continuo - ad. lib.)

La finta semplice opera buffa 51 1768 - Vienna 2Fl., 2Ob./2E. Hn., 2Bsn., 2Hn./2Cor.da caccia, Timp., Strings, Continuo

Mitridate, Rè di Ponto opera seria 87 1770 - Milan 2Bsn., 2Ob., 2Hn., Timp. Strings, Continuo (2Bsn. - ad. lib.)

Ascanio in Alba theatrical serenade 111 1771 - Milan 2Bsn., 2Ob./2Bsn, 2Serpenti/2 E. Hn, 2Hn., Timp., Strings, Continuo

32 Samuel Adler, The study of Orchestration, Third Edition, W. W. Norton & Company, Inc. New York London, p. 215. 33 Idem, p. 216.

20

MOZART'S STAGE WORKS

GENRE K.V. 1st perf. YEAR/PLACE

INSTRUMENTATION

Il sogno di Scipione theatrical serenade 126 1772 - Salzburg 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Bsn, Hn., Timp., Strings, Continuo

Lucio Silla dramma per musica

135 1772 - Milan 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Bsn, 2Hn., Timp., Strings, Continuo

La finta giardiniera opera buffa 196 1775 - Munich 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Bsn, 2Hn., Timp., Strings

Il Rè pastore pastoral serenade 208 1775 - Salzburg 2Fl., 2Ob./2 E. Hn., 2Bsn., 4Hn., Timp., Strings

Les petits riens ballet music 299b 1778 - Paris 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar., 2Bsn., 2Hn., 2Cl., Timp., Strings

Zaide singspiel 344 1779 - Salzburg 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Bsn, 2Hn., Timp., Strings

Thamos opera seria 342 1779 - Salzburg 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Bsn., 2Hn., 2Cl., 3Tbn., Timp., Strings

Idomeneo Rè di Creta opera seria 366 1781 - Munich 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar., 2Bsn., 4Hn., 2Cl., 3Tbn., Timp., Strings

Die Entführung aus dem Serail singspiel 384 1782 - Vienna Picc., 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar., 2Cor.di bassetto, 2Bsn., 2Hn., 2Cl., Timp., Deutsche.Tbn., Tri., Piatti, Tamb.Gr., Strings

L'oca del Cairo opera buffa 422 1783 - Salzburg 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Bsn, 4Hn., 2Cl., Strings

Lo sposo deluso, opera buffa 430 1783 - Salzburg 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Bsn., 4Hn., 2Cl., 3Tbn., Timp., Strings

Der Schauspieldirektor singspiel 486 1786 - Vienna 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar., 2Bsn., 2Hn., 2Cl., Timp., Strings

Le nozze di Figaro opera buffa 492 1786 - Vienna 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar., 2Bsn., 2Hn., 2Cl., Timp., Strings

Don Giovanni dramma giocoso 527 1787 - Prague 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar., 2Bsn., 2Hn., 2Cl., 3Tbn., Timp., Strings

Così fan tutte opera buffa 588 1790 - Vienna 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar., 2Bsn., 2Hn., 2Cl., Timp., Strings

Die Zauberflöte singspiel 620 1791 - Vienna 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar., 2Cor.di.bassetto, 2Bsn, 2Hn., 2Cl., 3Tbn., Timp., Strings

La Clemenza di Tito opera seria 621 1791 - Prague 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar., 2 Cor.di bassetto, 2Bsn., 2Hn., 2Cl., Timp., Strings

The first piece in which the clarinet was used was the music of the ballet Les petits

riens, performed in Paris, in 1778. The chronologically successive operas Zaide and Thamos

(1779) did not use the clarinet (which could lead to the conclusion that probably there were no

clarinets in Salzburg), but the following operas, Idomeneo (Munich, 1781) Die Entführung

aus dem Serail (Vienna, 1782), Der Schauspieldirektor and Le nozze di Figaro (Vienna,

1786), Don Giovanni (Prague, 1787), Cosi fan tutte (Vienna,1790), Die Zauberföte (Vienna),

and La Clemenza di Tito (Prague, 1791) all did, while some of them (Die Entführung aus dem

Serail, Die Zauberflöte, La Clemenza di Tito) also used a corno di bassetto. The operas L’oca

del Cairo and Lo sposo deluso, performed in Salzburg (1783) are an exception and, like the

21

previously mentioned Salzburg works, use no clarinet or bassethorn. The orchestral pattern

also includes other innovations: corni inglesi in La finta semplice, 4 horns (instead of two) in

Il Rè pastore, or 3 trombones in Thamos, the last one being an anticipation of the final

masterpiece, The Magic Flute34.

As results from Mozart's opera scores, he experimented with the qualities of the new

instrument both in the orchestral parts and in the vocal-instrumental ones, while the role it

played was, successively, thematic, harmonic or imitative in the ensemble of the woodwind

section, in combination with the brass instruments or with the string section, or even soloistic.

In can have a lyrical quality in an ensemble, an enveloping timbre when accompanied

by woodwinds and strings, or it can be dramatic and imposing (La Voce – Idomeneo), gloomy

and menacing (Commendattore – Don Giovanni), or mystical (Sarastro – The Magic Flute) in

combination with the brass winds and low-pitched strings. His concern with verisimilitude is

clearly reflected in his letter to his father, dated 18 January 1781: "Don't you think the speech

of the subterranean voice is too long? Think it over, carefully. – Imagine the scene on the

stage: the voice must be terrifying – it must be impressive, one must believe it real".

If in the Abduction from the Seraglio the role of the basset horn was purely coloristic

(Constanze's aria in G minor), in Titus it is treated as obbligato solo instrument (Vitellia's

Rondo in Act II) with orchestral accompaniment. His friendship with Anton Paul Stadler

(1753-1812), a virtuoso clarinetist and basset horn player, materialized into solo instrumental

pieces and vocal-instrumental ones: the clarinet concerto and the solo parts in The Magic

Flute and Requiem, composed during the last months of his life. Mozart wrote to his wife in

Baden of Stadler's successful handling of the solo clarinet and basset horn passages, on

September 3035 at the performance of Titus36: "Cries of Bravo were shouted at Stodla from the

parterre and even the orchestra (What a miracle for Bohemia!); but indeed I did my very

best", he noted in his letter of 7-8 October 1791.

In Idomeneo, he uses the clarinet in A, B flat and C mostly in the third act, where he

proposes two versions for the subterranean Voice: the first – with 2 horns in C and 3

trombones, and the second – with 2 clarinets in B flat, 2 bassoons and 2 horns in C.

34 The Hymn to the Sun God reminds of the choral finale of The Magic Flute.35 The premiere had taken place on the sixth day of the month. 36 simultaneously with the premiere of The Magic Flute.

22

OPERA

OPE

RA

IN

STR

UM

ENTA

TIO

N

AC

T

SCE

NE

NU

MB

ER

CHARACTER, ARIA, ENSEMBLE

NUMBER INSTRUMENTATION

II 2 Ouverture Allegro (D) The Clarinet's role is thematic in the ensemble and harmonic, Clar. I-theme, II accomp.(in formation)

2Fl, 2Ob., 2Clar.in A, 2Bsn., 2Horns in D, 2Cl. in D, Timp.in D and A, Strings

Idamante: Non ho colpa (B flat)

2Ob, 2Clar.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Horns in Bflat alto, Strings, continuo (cembalo, vcl)

I

VIII 6 Idamante: Il padre adorato (C)

2Fl., 2 Ob., 2Clar.in C,2Bsn., 2Horns in C, Clarino in C, Strings

I 10c Idamante: Rondo: Non temer, amato bene (B flat)

2Clar. in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Horns in B flat basso, vl.solo Strings

XIV Marcia (C) 2Fl., 2 Ob., 2Clar.in C,2Bsn., 2Horns in C, Clarino in C, Strings

II

XV Elettra 2Fl., 2 Ob., 2Clar.in A,2Bsn., 2Horns in E flat, Strings

I 19 Ilia: Zefiretti lusinghieri (E)

2Fl., 2 Ob., 2Clar.in A,2Bsn., 2Horns in E, Strings

III 21 Ilia, Elettra, Idamante, Idomeneo: Andrò raminga e sola (E flat)

2Fl., 2 Ob., 2Clar.in B flat,2Bsn., 2Horns in E flat, Strings

IX 28a 28b

La Voce: Idomeneo cessi esser re (c)

2Horns in C, 3Tbn, or2Clar.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Horns in C

IDOMENEO RÈ DI CRETA opera seria KV 366 1781 - Munich

2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar., 2Bsn., 4Hn., 2Cl., 3Tbn., Timp.

III

Final 30 Idamante, Idomeneo Ilia, Arbace, Popolo Final scene, Recitativo: Popoli, a voi l’ultima legge

2Clar.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Horns in E flat

In The Abduction from the Seraglio, the clarinet plays a soloistic role already in the

overture, but does not play at all in the finale. In the arias, only the main characters are

accompanied by the clarinet: Belmonte in 3 arias, and Constanze in two duets (accompanied

by clarinets). She has two arias with clarinet and one with basset horns. With the other

characters, the clarinet plays alone in the Pedrillo-Osmin duet, and in Osmin's aria toward the

end of the opera.

23

OPERA

OPE

RA

IN

STR

UM

ENTA

TIO

N

AC

T

SCE

NE

NU

MB

ER

CHARACTER, ARIA, ENSEMBLE

NUMBER INSTRUMENTATION

Uvertura Presto (C). Andante (c) Presto (C)[Clar. – solo role in Presto, bars 15-22]

Picc., 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar.in C, 2Bsn, 2Hn.in C, 2Cl.in C, Timp.in C-G, Triang., Piatti, Tamburo Grande, Strings

I 1 Belmonte: Hier soll ich dich denn schen, Konstanze(C)

2Clar.in C, 2Bsn, 2Hn.in C, Strings

VI 5b Chor der Janitscharen: Singt dem grossen Bassa Lieder (C)

Picc.in G, 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar.in C, 2Bsn, 2Hn.in C, Timp.in C-G, Triang., Piatti, Tamburo Grande, Strings

VII 6 Constanze: Ach ich liebte, war so glücklich (B flat) In Allegro [Clar.solo role; I-theme., II -figuration]

2 Ob., 2Clar.in B flat,2Bsn., 2Horns in B flat alto, Strings

I

X 7 Belmonte, Pedrillo, Osmin Terzett: Marsch, marsch, marsch! trollt euch fort! (c)

2Ob., 2Clar.in C, 2Bsn, 2Hn.in C, 2Cl.in C, Timp.in C-G, Triang., Piatti, Tamburo Grande, Strings

II 10 Constanze: AriaTraurigkeit ward mir zum Lose (g) [Cornodi b.1 – solo role]

2Fl., 2Ob., 2Corni di bassetto in F, 2Bsn., 2Horns in B flat alto, Strings

III 11 Constanze: Martern aller Arten (C)

2Clar.in C, 2Bsn, 2Hn.in C, 2Cl.in C, Timp.in C-G, Strings

VIII 14 Pedrillo, Osmin: Vivat Bacchus! Bacchus lebe! (C)

Picc.in G, 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar.in C, 2Bsn, 2Hn.in C, Timp.in C-G, Triang., Piatti, Tamburo Grande, Strings

II

IX 15 Belmonte: AriaWenn der Tränen Fliessen (B flat)

2 Ob., 2Clar.in B flat,2Bsn., 2Horns in B flat alto, Strings

III 17 Belmonte: AriaIch bane ganz auf deine Stärke, vertrau, o Liebe! deiner Macht! (E flat)

2 Fl., 2Clar.in B flat,2Bsn., 2Horns in E flat alto, Strings

DIE ENTFÜHRUNG AUS DEM SERAIL singspiel KV 384 1782 - Vienna

Picc., 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar., 2Cor.di.b,2Bsn., 2Hn., 2Cl., Timp., Deutsche.Trom., Triang., Piatti, Tamb.Gr., Strings

III

V 19 Osmin: Aria O,wie willich triumphieren (D)

Picc.in G, 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar.in A, 2Bsn, 2Hn.in D, Timp.in C-G, Triang., Piatti, Tamburo Grande, Strings

24

OPERA

OPE

RA

IN

STR

UM

ENTA

TIO

N

AC

T

SCE

NE

NU

MB

ER

CHARACTER, ARIA, ENSEMBLE

NUMBER INSTRUMENTATION

VII 20 Belmonte, Konstanze Duetto: Meinetwegen sollst du sterben! (B flat)

2Clar.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Horns in B flat alto, Strings

IX 21 a,b

Soloists, chorus: [The clarinet does not appear in the finale!]

Picc., 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar.in C, 2Bsn, 2Hn.in C, 2Cl.in C, Timp.in C-G, Triang., Piatti, Tamburo Grande, Strings

The idea of a komische Oper, The Theatre Manager, came from Emperor Joseph the

Second. Its libretto was written by young Stephanie, who had also written the text for The

Abduction from the Seraglio.

OPERA

OPE

RA

IN

STR

UM

EN

TA

TIO

N

AC

T

SCE

NE

NU

MB

ER

CHARACTER, ARIA, ENSEMBLE

NUMBER INSTRUMENTATION

Ouverture: Presto (C) 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar.in C, 2Bsn., 2Horns in G, Cl.in C, Timp. in C-G, Strings

I

IX 3 Madame Herz, Mademoiselle Silberklang, Monsieur Vogelsang The role of the clarinet is thematic, harmonic, bass Alberti

ObI., Ob.II, 2Clar. in B flat,2Bsn., 2Horns in B flat, Strings

DERSCHAUSPIEL- DIREKTOR singspiel KV486 1786 – Vienna

2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar., 2Bsn., 2Hn., 2Cl., Timp., Strings

Schlussgesang: AllegroThe clarinet has a thematic imitative role (bars 18-23)

2Ob., 2Clar.in C, 2Bsn., 2Horns in C, 2 Cl.in C, Timp.in C-G, Strings

Although it is a short opera, with only one act and four characters, the spontaneous humor

pervading it demonstrates its author's excellent propensity for the buffo language. Composed

after the six Haydn quartets, the contrapuntal writing of the voices is also used in the clarinet

section (in the finale, bars 18-23).

25

The beginning and end of the score of The Marriage of Figaro includes clarinets.

During the course of the opera, the clarinet appears in the second part of each act. Both of

Cherubino's arias use the clarinet, which in the Countess' aria also plays a soloistic role.

OPERA

OPE

RA

IN

STR

UM

EN

TA

TIO

N

AC

T

SCE

NE

NU

MB

ER

CHARACTER, ARIA, ENSEMBLE

NUMBER INSTRUMENTATION

Sinfonia Presto (D) 2Fl, 2Ob., 2Clar.in A, 2Bsn., 2Horns in D, 2Cl. in D, Timp.in D and A, Strings

V 6 Cherubino: Aria Non so più cosa son, cosa facio (E flat)

2Clar. in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Horns in E flat, Strings

I

VI-VII 7 Susanna, Basilio, Il Conte: Terzetto Cosa sento! tosto andate

2Ob., 2Clar.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Horns in B flat alto, Strings

I 11 Contessa: Cavatina Porgi amor qualque ristoro (E flat)[Clar. – harmonic, thematic and soloistic role]

2Clar.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Horns in E flat, Strings

II 12 Cherubino: Arietta Voi che sapete che cosa è amor

1Fl., 1Ob., 1Clar.in B flat, 1Bsn., 2Horns in E flat, Strings (reduced formation-dolce)

II

VI-VIII X-XI

16 La Contessa, Il Conte: Finale Esci omai garzon malnato

2Clar.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Horns in E flat, Timp. in E-b-B flat, Strings

III37 XI-XIV

23 Finale, Marcia Susanna, La Contessa, Il Conte, Figaro Ecco la marcia, andiamo

2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar.in C, 2Bsn., 2Horns in C, 2 Cl.in C, Timp.in C-G, Strings

VII 26 Basilio: Aria In quegl’anni, in cui val poco

2Ob., 2Cl.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Horns in B flat alto, Strings

VIII 27 Figaro Aprite un po’ quegl’occhi (E flat) [Clar. – dramatic role]

2Clar.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Horns in E flat, 2Cl. In E flat, Strings

LE NOZZE DI FIGARO opera buffa KV 492 1786 – Vienna

2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar., 2Bsn., 2Hn., 2Cl., Timp., Strings

IV

XIII and XV

29 Susanna, La Contessa, Barbarina, Cherubino, Marcellina, Basilio, Il Conte, Antonio, Figaro: Pian pianin le andrò più presso

2Ob., 2Cl.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Horns in B flat alto, Strings

The cantability of the clarinet, accompanied by the violins in pizzicato, gives the

impression of a serenade and paves the way for Cherubino's love song. The lyrical moment

soothes the ladies' nervousness (the Countess and Susanna) over Figaro's vindictive plans.

37 The clarinet appears only in the finale in act III.

26

Ex. 1: The Marriage of Figaro – Cherubino: Voi che sapete (Act II, Scene II)

27

In Don Giovanni, the clarinet occurs in different types of arias: in Don Giovanni's

exuberant aria Fin ch’han dal vino (the only one) in act I, with a harmonic and thematic role,

and in the dramatic arias of Donna Elvira (Mi tradi quell’alma ingrata) and Donnei Anna

(Non mi dir, bell’idol mio) in Act II, playing a soloistic role.

OPERA

OPE

RA

IN

STR

UM

ENTA

TIO

N

AC

T

SCE

NE

NU

MB

ER

CHARACTER, ARIA, ENSEMBLE

NUMBER INSTRUMENTATION

Ouvertura: Andante. Allegro molto (d)

2Fl, 2Ob., 2Clar.in A, 2Bsn., 2Horns in A, 2Cl. in A, Timp.in D-A, Strings

I XV 11 Don Giovanni Fin ch’han dal vino (B flat)

2Fl., 2 Ob., 2Clar.in B flat,2Bsn., 2Horns in B flat, Strings

II 15 Donna Elvira, Leporello, Don Giovanni Terzetto: Ah taci, ingiusto core (A)

2Fl., 2 Ob., 2Clar.in A, 2Bsn., 2Horns in A, Strings

VI 18 Zerlina: Vedrai, carino (C)

2 Fl., 2Clar.in C, 2Bsn., 2Horns in C, Strings

X 19 Donna Anna, Donna Elvira,Zerlina, Don Ottavio Leporello, Masetto Sestetto: Sola in bujo loco (E flat)

2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar.in B flat,2Bsn., 2Horns in E flat, 2 Cl.in D, Timp.in D-A, Strings

X 21 Don Ottavio Il mio tesoro intanto (B flat)

2Clar.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Horns in B flat, Strings

Xd 21b Donna Elvira: Mi tradi quell’ alma ingrata (E flat) [Clar. – dramatic soloistic role (doubled by Bsn.)]

1Fl., 1Ob., 1Clar.in B flat,1Bsn., 2Horns in E flat, Strings (reduced ensemble, see TheMarriage)

XI 22 Commendatore (Don Giovanni, Leporello) Adagio: Di ridar finirai pria dall’aurora (a)

2Ob., 2Clar.in B flat, 2Bsn., 3Tbn., Strings

XII 23 Donna Anna Non mi dir, bell’idol mio (F) dolce[Clar. – soloistic role]

1 Fl., 2Clar.in C, 2Bsn., 2Horns in F, Strings

DON GIOVANNI dramma giocoso KV 527 1787 - Prague

2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar.,2Bsn., 2Hn., 2Cl., 3Tbn., Timp., Strings

II

XIII 24 Finale Donna Anna, Zerlina, Don Giovanni, Il Commandatore, Leporello, Masetto, Coro

2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar.in A (B flat), 2Bsn., 2Horns in D, 2 Cl.in D, 3 Tbn., Timp.in D-A, Strings

Don Ottavio's aria (Il mio tesoro intanto) from Act II starts with a lyrical passage

played by the clarinet, leaving the soloistic role to the strings, when the hero's tone becomes

passionate. Like in the preceding example from The Marriage of Figaro, the warm timbre of

the clarinet, followed by compassionate words of Don Ottavio, the positive character,

contrasts with the general indignation caused by Don Giovanni's latest nefarious deeds.

Whatever their social status, the opera's characters form a coalition against Don Giovanni's

28

debauchery. The conciliatory tone of the clarinet becomes turns into mocking through the

dotted rhythm of the counterpoint, when Don Ottavio gets too pathetic in his oath of revenge.

Ex. 2: Don Giovanni – Don Ottavio Aria Il mio tesoro intanto (Act II, Scene X)

29

The subject of the opera Cosi fan tutte is based on a real fact (or anecdote) offered by

Joseph the Second, who also proposed the theme of The Theatre Manager. The opera

received harsh criticism from Beethoven and Wagner over its immoral libretto, although the

themes of infidelity, hoaxes and disguise were typical of the Commedia dell’ arte, from

Machiavelli's Mandrake, to Shakespeare, Molière, Goldoni and Beaumarchais, the author of

Figaro. According to Wagner, "Mozart's greatness is confirmed by his inability to compose

music such as he did for Figaro for the dull and insignificant libretto of Cosi fan tutte... "38

Ever since then, Mozart's music has become one of the public's favorites, through its

wealth of spirit, masterly outlined characters and novelty of opera ensemble moments. The

clarinet was gaining importance as accompanist, its role as solo instrument appearing only

toward the end of Acts I and II.

In the sextet Alla bella Despinetta (Act I), Mozart used the clarinet and the oboe

alternatively39, in an oboe-clarinet thematic dialogue. The flute accompanies the clarinet in

the extreme moments of the acts (overture, finales of acts) and in the lyrical pages (the famous

Terzettino Soave sia il vento from Act I and Fiordiligi's rondo Per pieta, ben mio, perdona,

from Act II).

38 A. Schurig, W. A. Mozart, Leipzig, 1913, p. 214, quoted by János.LiE flatner, Mozart a szinpadon ("Mozart on the Stage"), Zenem kiadó Vállalat Budapest, 1961, p. 137. 39 It is a rare case when the oboe and the clarinet appear together.

30

OPERA

OPE

RA

IN

STR

UM

ENTA

TIO

N

AC

T

SCE

NE

NU

MB

ER

CHARACTER, ARIA, ENSEMBLE

NUMBER INSTRUMENTATION

Ouvertura: Andante. Presto (C) 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar.in C, 2Bsn., 2Horns in G, Cl.in C, Timp. in C-G, Strings

II 4 Fiordiligi, Dorabella Duetto (A)

2Clar.in A, 2Bsn., 2 Horns in A, Strings

IV 6 Fiordiligi, Dorabella, Ferrando, Guglielmo Don Alfonso

2Clar.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Horns in E flat, Strings

IV 7 Ferrando, Guglielmo Duettino: Al fato dan legge (B flat)

2Clar.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Horns in B flat basso, Strings, continuo

V 8a Fiordiligi, Dorabella, Ferrando, Guglielmo Don Alfonso Discrivermi ogni giorno (F)

2Clar.in C, 2Bsn., Strings, continuo

VI 10 Fiordiligi, Dorabella Don Alfonso :Terzettino Soave sia il vento[Clar. – distinct melodic line]

2Fl., 2Clar.in A, 2Bsn., 2 Horns in E, Strings, continuo

VIII-IX

11 Dorabella: Aria Smanie implacabili

2Fl., 2Clar.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2 Horns in E flat, Strings

XI 13 Sestetto Alla bella Despinetta [Thematic dialogue Ob-Cl.]

2Ob., 2Clar.in C, 2Bsn, 2Cl.in C, Timp.in C-G, Strings

XI 14 Fiordiligi:Aria Come scoglio immoto resta

2Clar.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Cl.in B flat, Strings

XII 17 Ferrando:Un’aura amorosa 2Clar.in A, 2Bsn., 2 Horns in A, Strings, continuo

I

XIV-XVI

Finale Ah che tutte in un momento[Cl.I solo - bars 546-558]

2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar.in A, 2Bsn., 2Horns in D, Cl.in D, Timp. in D-A, Strings

IV 21 Ferrando, Guglielmo, Cor Duette con coro Secondate, aurette amiche (E flat) [Clar. – thematic role, becomes a character]

2Fl., 2Clar.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2 Horns in E flat, Strings

V 23 Despina, Ferrando, Guglielmo, Don Alfonso: La mano a me date (C)

2Clar.in C, 2Bsn., 2 Horns in F, Strings

VII 24 Ferrando:Ah lo veggio, quell’anima bella (B flat)

2Clar.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Cl.in B flat40, Strings

IX 25 Fiordiligi Rondo: Per pieta, ben mio, perdona

2Fl., 2Clar.in B, 2Bsn., 2 Horns in E, Strings

IX 27 Ferrando: Cavatina Tradito, chernito (c)

2Ob., 2Clar.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2 Horns in C, Strings

IX 28 Dorabella: E amore un ladroncello

1solo Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar.in B flat,2Bsn., 2 Horns in C, Strings

COSÌ FAN TUTTE opera buffa KV 588 1790 - Vienna

2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar.,2Bsn., 2Hn., 2Cl., Timp., Strings

II

XV 31 Finale Fate presto, o cari amici(C)

2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar.in C, 2Bsn., 2Horns in C, Cl.in C, Timp. in C-G, Strings

The duet with chorus Secondate, aurette amiche from Act II brings back the pastoral

timbre of the clarinet, while the idyllic setting of the scene is amplified by the novelty of the

serenade for wind sextet (two clarinets, two bassoons and two horns), with the clarinets

40 In this opera, Mozart prefers the clarino to the horn.

31

playing the thematic role. The ample instrumental introduction (37 bars) in mellow style

paves the way for young Ferrando's and Guglielmo's charming duet.

The clarinets' section no longer has the soothing character of the previous examples;

the highly individualized writing acquires new registers, while the rhythmic diminution gives

it a character of virtuosity which contrasts with the heroes' timidity. The choral ritornello is

accompanied by the presence of the flutes along with that of the previous sextet (clarinets,

bassoons and horns), a moment accomplished with a minimum of means and with a

maximum of effect.

Ex. 3: Cosi fan tutte – Duetto con coro Secondate, aurette amiche (Act II, Scene IV, No. 21)

32

Sarastro, in The Magic Flute – aria with chorus O Isis und Osiris (Act II) – informs

the priests from his temple that Tamino appeared before Isis and Osiris in order to subject

himself to the ordeals. These ordeals will make him worthy of Pamina, and of admission to

the temple. The Gods have promised her to Tamino and Sarastro kidnapped her from the

kingdom of the Queen of the Night (Pamina's mother), to save her pure soul and to prepare

her for her marriage to the young prince.

OPERA

OPE

RA

IN

STR

UM

EN

TA

TIO

N

AC

T

SCE

NE

NU

MB

ER

CHARACTER, ARIA, ENSEMBLE

NUMBER INSTRUMENTATION

Ouverture Adagio. Allegro (E flat)

2Fl., 2 Ob., 2Clar.in B flat,2Bsn., 2Horns in E flat, Cl.in E flat, 3Tbn.41,Timp. in E flat-B flat, Strings

I 1 Drei Damen, Tamino Introduction Zu Hilfe! zu Hilfe! sonst bin ich verloen (c)

2Fl, 2Ob., 2Clar.in B flat,2Bsn., 2Horns in E flat, 2Clarino in E flat, Timp.in E flat-B flat, Strings

DIE ZAUBERFLÖTE singspiel KV 620 1791 - Vienna

2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar., 2Cor.di.b, 2Bsn., 2Hn., 2Cl., 3Tbn., Timp., Strings

I

IV 3 Tamino: Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schön (E flat)

2Clar.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Horns in E flat, Strings

41 Requiem orchestration: Corno di Bassetto I.II in F, bassoon I,II, clarino I,II in D, timpani in D-A, trombone alto, tenore and basso, strings, mixed choir of four voices (soprano, alto, tenor and bass), organ.

33

OPERA

OPE

RA

IN

STR

UM

ENTA

TIO

N

AC

T

SCE

NE

NU

MB

ER

CHARACTER, ARIA, ENSEMBLE

NUMBER INSTRUMENTATION

VIII 5 Drei Damen, Tamino, Papageno:Quintetto: Hm! hm! hm! (B flat)

2Clar.in B flat, 42 2Bsn., Violin I,II

XIV 7 Pamina, Papageno:Duetto: Bei Männern, welche LiE flate fühlen (E flat)

2Clar.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Horns in E flat, Strings

XV-XIX 8 Finale: Zum Ziele führt dich diese BahnLarghetto: Herr, ich bin zwar Verbrecherin!Pamina Drei Knaben, Tamino, Monostatos, Sarastro [Erster] Priester, Papageno, Chor (C, F)

2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar.in C,2Corno di Bassetto in F43,2Bsn., 2Horns in G, 2Clarinos in C, 3Tbn,Timpani in E flat-B flat Strings

I 9 Marcia Flauto, 2Corno di Bassetto in F, 2Bsn., 2Horns in F, 2Clarinos in C, 3Tbn., Timpani in E flat-B flat, Strings

I 10 Sarastro, Chor: Tenore I,II Basso I,II Aria con coro: O Isis und Osiris(F)

2Corno di Bassetto in F, 2Bsn., Trombone alto, tenore and basso, 2Viola, Violoncello44

III 11 Zweiter Priester, Sprecher Duetto: Bewahret euch vor Weibertücken (C)

2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar.in C, 2Bsn., 2Horns in C, Cl.in C,3 Tbn., Timpani in C-G, Strings

VII 13 Monostatos Aria:Alles Fühlt der LiE flate Freuden (C)

Flauto piccolo, Flauto,2Clar.in C, 2Bsn., Strings

II

XXVI-XXX

21 Königin der Nacht, Pamina, Papagena, Drei Knaben, Drei Damen, Tamino, Monostatos, Erster und zweiter geharnischter Mann, Sarastro, Papageno, Chor Finale: Bald prangt, den Morgen zu verkünden (c)

2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar.in B flat45, 2Bsn., 2Horns in E flat, Clarino I,II in C, 3Tbn.,Timpani in C and G, Stromento d’acciaio (Glockenspiel), Strings

42 The quintet begins with Oboe I,II, Bsn.I,II, Violin I,II in accompaniment, but in Andante, bar 214, Clar.I,II in B flat will replace Ob. I,II. 43 Corno di Bassetto I.II in F is not played together with the clarinet, but replaces it in Larghetto, beginning with bar 395, up to the end (bar 586). Moreover, Act II maintains two more Corno di Bassetto numbers, 9 and 10, the return to the clarinet part being made only in number 11. 44 The middle and low register – a reference to Masons? 45 The clarinet plays a soloistic role, together with the bassoon and the horns.

34

In the invocation of gods referred to in this aria, the solemnity of the moment is

suggested by a low-register orchestration, typical of the great masses: two corni di bassetto,

bassoons, three trombones (alto, tenor and bass) viola divisi, cellos and a male choir (tenor

and basses), a true sacerdotal ceremonial. By contrast, the clarinet was continued to be used in

lyrical arias (Tamino), in arias full of spirit (Monostatos) and in ensembles.

Ex. 4: The Magic Flute – Arie mit Chor O Isis und Osiris (Act II, Scene I, No.10)

35

La Clemenza di Tito was often subjected to criticism, being considered a work that

Mozart composed in haste, under pressure, in suffering and tormented by his illness.

Metastasio's libretto was modified, according to the composer's wishes, in favor of the

ensembles, while the number of arias was significantly reduced. The opera was however still

criticized for its obsolete form and lack of dramatic impulse. The plot had never been the forte

of the operei seria. Instead, it ideally accommodated an action that would fit the noble music

and serve the vocal virtuosity that were so much appreciated and expected by the aristocratic

spectator.

36

OPERA

OPE

RA

IN

STR

UM

EN

TA

TIO

N

AC

T

SCE

NE

NU

MB

ER

CHARACTER, ARIA, ENSEMBLE

NUMBER INSTRUMENTATION

Ouverture Allegro (C) 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Horns in C, 2Cl.in C, Timp. in C-G, Strings

IV 4 Marcia (E flat) 2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Horns in E flat, 2Cl.in E flat, Timp. in E flat-B flat, Strings

IV 5 Coro (E flat) 2 Fl., 2Clar.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Horns in E flat, 2Cl. in E flat, Strings

IX 9 Sesto: Aria Parto, ma tu ben mio (B flat)[Clar.-thematic, soloistic role, wide range, independent and virtuosic melodic line] 46

2Fl., 2Ob., Clar.solo in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Horns in B flat alto, Strings

I

XI 12 Vitellia, Servilia, Sesto, Annio Publio: Quintetto con coro Deh conservate, oh Dei (E flat)

2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Horns in E flat, 2Cl.in E flat, Timp. in E flat-B flat, Strings

V 15 Tito,Publio, patrizi,pretoriani e popolo: Coro Ah grazie si rendano(F)

2Fl., 2 Ob., 2Clar.in C,2Bsn., 2Horns in F, Strings

X 18 Tito,Publio, Sesto: Terzetto Quello di Tito è il volto (Eflat)

2 Fl., 2Clar.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Horns in E flat, Strings

XV 23 Vitellia: Rondo Non più di fiori vaghe catene (F)[Corno di bassetto-thematic, soloistic role, wide range, independent and virtuosic melodic line]

Fl., 2 Ob., 2 Corni di bassetto in F, 2Bsn., 2Horns in F, Strings

LA CLEMENZA DI TITO opera seria KV 620 1791 - Prague

2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar.,2Corni di bassetto2Bsn., 2Hn., 2Cl., Timp., Strings

II

XVII 26 Vitellia, Servilia, Annio Sesto, Tito, Publio Sestetto con coro Tu, è ver, m’assolvi Augusto (C)

2Fl., 2Ob., 2Clar.in C, 2Bsn., 2Horns in C, 2Cl.in C, Timp. in C-G, Strings

46 The clarinet reflects the character's thoughts and feelings of grief after his break up with his lover. The hero's sadness is amplified by his inner struggle between his loyalty to Titus and his love for Vitellia, who orders him to kill his emperor and set the palace on fire, as a token of his love for her.

37

Ex. 5: La Clemenza di Tito – Rondo Vitellia Non piu di fiori (Act II)

38

In addition to the ariette, the opera also contains the arias di bravura performed by

Sextus (Parto, ma tu ben mio, Act I, Scene IX, No. 9) and Vitellia (Non più di fiori vaghe

catene, Act II), with masterly accompaniments that Mozart composed especially for Anton

Stadler. In these scores, the clarinet and the corno di bassetto have a highly expressive,

metallic sound resembling that of a Roman lituus, their challenging technical passages

requiring the presence of the famous clarinetist at the Prague premiere.

In these two arias, the clarinet and the vocal soloist are treated as equal dialogue

partners; in Act I, the clarinet accompanies the dramatic aria of Sesto, the desperate hero who

out of love for Vitellia is ready to commit murder by killing his emperor, and to set Rome on

fire. All he asks from his haughty beloved in exchange is that she look favorably on him one

last time. The reply comes in Act II with Vitellia's aria who, filled with remorse and

impressed with Sesto's spirit of sacrifice, wants to save him, by revealing the truth about the

conspiracy. Although she knows she will be thrown to the wild beasts, her decision is final;

the regret of giving up a happy marriage with Titus comes up again and again in the form of a

rondo, but Sesto's innocent death would have darkened the rest of her life. During the entire

aria, Vitellia is accompanied by the basset horn, which suggests the heroine's torment through

register changes, chromatic scale passages and rhythmically diminished arpeggios.

39

Thus, the evolution of the clarinet and basset-horn parts in the opera Clemenza di Tito

marked, in terms of virtuosity and expression, their transformation from accompanying or

ensemble instruments in soloistic instruments, equal partners of the human voice.

Conclusions regarding the role of the clarinet in Mozart's lyrical genre:

1. successive role in an ensemble, thematic, harmonic or imitative and soloistic:

- in overtures (all)

- in arias:

Countess: Cavatina Porgi amor qualque ristoro (E flat) The clarinet has

a harmonic, thematic and soloistic role (2Clar.in B flat, 2Bsn., 2Horns

in E flat, Strings).

- in ensembles:

in the Madame Herz, Mademoiselle Silberklang, Monsieur Vogelsang

trio, the clarinet has a thematic, harmonic or Alberti bass role,

successively (Ob. I., Ob. II, 2 Clar. in B flat, 2 Bsn., 2 Horns in B flat,

Strings).

2. polyphonic role, in dialogue with the oboe, bassoon or flute:

The sextet Alla bella Despinetta 2 Ob., 2 Clar. in C, 2 Bsn., 2 Cl. in C,

Timp. in C-G, Strings – Ob. – Cl. thematic dialogue

3. accompaniment

4. soloistic:

- in overtures:

The Abduction from the seraglio, the clarinet plays a soloistic role in

Presto (bars 15-22) (Picc., 2 Fl., 2 Ob., 2 Clar.in C, 2 Bsn, 2 Hn. in C, 2

Cl. in C, Timp. in C-G, Triang., Piatti, Tamburo Grande, Strings).

- in arias:

Constanze's aria Ach ich liebte, war so glücklich (B flat), in Allegro the

clarinet plays a soloistic role (Clar. I – theme., II – figuration 2 Ob., 2

Clar. in B flat, 2 Bsn., 2 Hn in B flat alto, Strings) or

Cherubino's aria: Arietta Voi che sapete che cosa è amor (1 Fl., 1 Ob., 1

Clar.in B flat, 1 Bsn., 2 Horns in E flat, Strings – reduced ensemble –

dolce marking).

5. discrete character when accompanying voice:

40

Cherubino: Arietta Voi che sapete che cosa è amor (1 Fl., 1 Ob., 1

Clar.in B flat, 1 Bsn., 2 Horns in E flat, Strings (reduced ensemble –

dolce).

6. dramatic character, with a distinct line:

Sesto – Aria Parto, ma tu ben mio (B flat) Clar. – thematic, soloistic

role, wide range, independent and virtuosic melodic line (2 Fl., 2 Ob.,

Clar.solo in B flat, 2 Bsn., 2 Horns in B flat alto, Strings) or

Vitellia: Rondo Non più di fiori vaghe catene (F) Corno di bassetto-

thematic, soloistic role, wide range, independent and virtuosic melodic

line (Fl., 2 Ob., 2 Corni di bassetto in F, 2 Bsn., 2 Horns in F, Strings).

- overtures and finales

- in arias

7. New combinations – in the low or high (super-high) register:

the quintet in Act I –Drei Damen, Tamino, Papageno: Hm! hm! hm! (B

flat) Instrumentation: 2 Clar.in B flat, 2 Bsn., Violin I,II.

the finale of the opera – Act II, Scene 29, No.21 – Königin der Nacht,

Pamina, Papagena, Drei Knaben, Drei Damen, Tamino, Monostatos,

Erster und zweiter geharnischter Mann, Sarastro, Papageno Chor

Finale: Bald prangt, den Morgen zu verkünden (c). Instrumentation: 2

Fl., 2 Ob., 2 Clar. in B flat, 2 Bsn., 2 Horns in E flat, Clarino I,II in C, 3

Tbn., Timpani in C and G, Glockenspiel (Stromento d’acciaio) and

strings.

- in the low register:

La Voce: Idomeneo cessi esser re (c) ( 2 Horns in C, 3 Tbn, or 2 Clar.in

B flat, 2 Bsn., 2 Horns in C).

Sarastro, Chor: Tenore I, II Basso I, II Aria con coro: O Isis und Osiris

(F) 2 Corno di Bassetto in F, 2 Bsn., Trombone alto, tenore and basso, 2

Viola, Violoncello.

- in the high (super-high) register:

Monostatos's aria, Alles Fühlt der Liebe Freuden (C) (Flauto piccolo,

Flauto, 2 Clar.in C, 2 Bsn. and Strings.

8. Cosi fan tutte – except for the overture and finales of the two acts, it is only in two

cases that the oboe and the clarinet play together:

41

the sextet Alla bella Despinetta from Act I, and Ferrando's cavatina -

Tradito, chernito and Dorabellei's aria – E amore un landrocello, from

Act II, which Mozart used alternatively.

- in this opera, Mozart prefers the clarino to the horn:

Fiordiligi's aria Come scoglio immoto resta (2 Clar.in B flat, 2 Bsn., 2

Cl.in B flat, Strings) or

Ferrando: Ah lo veggio, quell’anima bella (B flat) 2 Clar.in B flat, 2

Bsn., 2 Cl.in B flat, Strings.

One can notice the similarity between the orchestra of the Requiem (Corno di Bassetto

I, II in F, bassoon I, II, clarino I, II in D, timpani in D-A, trombone alto, tenore and basso,

strings, four-voice mixed choir and organ) and that of the last two operas, La Clemenza di

Tito and The Magic Flute. In The Magic Flute, at the end of Act I (Scenes XV-XIX), the

Corno di Bassetto is not used together with the clarinet, but replaces it instead in the

Larghetto (beginning with bar 395) up to the end (bar 586). Moreover, Act II maintains two

more Corno di Bassetto numbers (9 and 10), the return to the clarinet part being made only in

number 11.

Is the importance assigned in these three pieces to the middle and low register a

reference to the Masonic ceremonial, or a presentiment of death?

Except for Mozart's compositions, the extant clarinet repertoire until 1790 was limited

to the winds ensemble, present in all the European institutions. Most instrumental groups lay

at the basis of the development of military music, and after 1750 orchestra clarinetists came

from such groups. The Prussian orchestra, established by Frederick the Great in 1763, was

composed of an octet made up of two clarinets, two oboes, two horns and two bassoons. In

France, the orchestra had the same composition as in Prussia, whereas in England, in 1762, of

the eight instruments playing within the framework of the Royal Regiment of Artillery , four

had to be oboes or clarinets.

Regarding the evolution of orchestral writing for operas in Mozart's brilliant

predecessors, one can notice a great variety of instruments in Claudio Monteverdi's

masterpiece (1567-1643) La Favola d’Orfeo47 (1607): Duoi Gravicembani, Duoi contrabassi

de Viola, Dieci Viole da brazzo, Un Arpa doppia, Duoi Violini alla Franceze, Duoi Chitaroni,

47 The premiere of the opera – February 1607, at the Accademia degl’Invaghiti of Mantua.

42

Duoi Organi di legno, Tre bassi da gamba, Quattro Tromboni, Un Regale, Duoi Cornetti, Un

Flautino alla Vigesima seconda, Un Clarino con tre trombe sordine, but no clarinets.

Bach's youngest sons, Johann Christian (1735-1782), despite the age difference of

almost three decades, developed a close friendship with the 8-year old musical genius who

was in London at the time, and had a major influence on Mozart's opera and orchestration. In

Bach's first opera, Orione (1762), composed in London, the orchestra has an amplified role

and wide figurations, with the wind instruments playing an important and novel part through

the use of the English horn and the clarinet.

In the same year (1762), Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-1787), the reformer of the

opera, was composing his masterpiece Orfeo ed Euridice48 with the following orchestral

accompaniment: 2 Flöten, 2 Oboen, 2 English Hörner (oder Klarinetten), 2 Klarinetten, 2

Fagotte, 2 Hörner, 2 Trompeten, Kornett (Sopranposaune oder Cornet à pistons), 3 Posaunen,

1 Paar Pauken, Violine I, II, Viola, Violoncello, Kontrabass. Hinter der Bühne – 1 Chalameau

(Oboe), 1 Harfe, Streichorchester.

There are few references in the literature to the instrumentation of the opera orchestra,

which might lead to the wrong impression that the pattern was fixed and that the changes

occurred only with the transition to a new epoch or style, depending on the opera genre

adopted. The study of the scores of Mozart's operas, however, demonstrates the composer's

constant interest in the search for new timbres. To Mozart, a passionate composer of the

dramatic genre, each opera subject was a new challenge.

Tens of volumes and thousands of pages have been written about Mozart's characters;

completing these pages with a presentation of his orchestral mechanism – employed in

overtures and interludes, as accompanist in arias, choruses and recitatives, or as partner in the

dramatic edifice – was a captivating and imperative theme of investigation.

48 The premiere of the opera - 5 October 1762, in Hofburgtheater zu Wien.