Clarinet

The cylindrical single-reed that overblows a twelfth, giving it the widest range in the woodwinds.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Its cylindrical bore suppresses even harmonics, so it overblows a twelfth rather than an octave.
• Johann Denner developed it around 1700 from the chalumeau, whose name survives as its low register.
• Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, finished weeks before his death, remains the instrument’s summit.

Specifications & Metrics

• FAMILY: Woodwind (single reed)
• RANGE: ~4 octaves (E3 – C7 written)