21st Annual Student Research Conference
The Clarinet Design of Eugene Albert
Ken R. Goss
Dr. Jesse D. Krebs, Faculty Mentor
The Albert-system clarinet was developed in Brussels by Eugene Albert (1816-1890), a world renowned clarinet maker. Between 1850 and 1900 it was the finest instrument available to clarinetists. My presentation will discuss the development of the Albert-system clarinet; beginning with its immediate predecessors leading to the Albert system and concluding with its descendents. This study will explore the innovations of Albert, the acoustical and mechanical implications of his design, and the success or failure of those innovations. Attention will also be given to the use of the clarinet by prominent musicians in the past, such as Henry Lazarus (1815-1895) of England and Joseph Schreurs (1863-1921) of Belgium. Surveys of period literature will give more clues as to the capabilities and handicaps of the instruments as they developed and how new instruments were constructed to cope with those handicaps, while attempting to preserve previously obtained strengths. In my lecture/recital I will explain my findings and demonstrate a variety of clarinet systems through a slide show and through performance.
Keywords: Clarinet, Albert, Music History, Belgium, Lazarus, Schreurs
Topic(s):Music
Presentation Type: Performance Art
Session: 21-2
Location: OP Performance Hall
Time: 10:00