The Baroque Clarinet and Chalumeau - Second Edition
Albert R. Rice's updated second edition of The Baroque Clarinet and Chalumeau represents the definitive scholarly resource on European clarinet and chalumeau instruments during the first half of the eighteenth century. This comprehensive volume expands upon the groundbreaking 1992 first edition, incorporating twenty-eight years of new research, recently discovered instruments, and previously unknown musical repertory.
Expanded Coverage of Chalumeau and Clarinet History
This edition extends the scope to include the chalumeau, the clarinet's close predecessor, drawing on nearly three decades of research into the instrument's origins and musical applications. Rice documents two recently discovered chalumeaux from a private collection, including one by Johann Heinrich Eichentopf of Leipzig, along with attributions for three additional instruments based on historical evidence.
Comprehensive Repertory Documentation
The volume catalogs the chalumeau's substantial late-seventeenth and early-eighteenth century repertory, comprising over 330 works by 66 composers. An expanded list of surviving Baroque clarinet works is organized systematically by date, composer, and tonality/range, providing researchers and performers with essential reference material.
New Research and Historical Insights
Rice incorporates findings from recently uncovered early instruments and historical scores that illuminate the clarinet's evolution. The study synthesizes research from German, Italian, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Flemish, Czech, and Catalan sources, making this international scholarship accessible to English-speaking audiences.
Additional Content in the Second Edition
New chapters examine chalumeau and clarinet music in depth, while additional material explores the Baroque clarinet's role in society. The updated edition maintains Rice's commitment to scholarly accuracy while bringing the Baroque clarinet into sharper focus than ever before.
