HKB presents innovative double bass clarinet
A team from the Bern University of the Arts (HKB) has set itself the goal of redesigning the double bass clarinet in an acoustically ideal way. With a radical solution: in their model, the keys are operated via a mechatronic control system.
Thanks to the key control by means of motors, the tone holes can be ideally positioned when building the instrument, which the Bernese have christened "Clex". This leads to a significant increase in sound quality while at the same time improving intonation playability. In this way, acoustic and technical compromise solutions disappear.
The changeover to the new instrument is easy for musicians, as the traditional fingerings can be retained. However, the possibilities of electronic control also allow new multimedia applications, which should mean considerable added value for both performers and composers when using the contrabass clarinet.
Clex will be presented to the public on June 5, 2016 at 7 pm following a workshop in a concert at the Stadtcasino Basel with the Basel Sinfonietta. Ernesto Molinari will play the world premiere of two very different concertos by Michael Pelzel and Jorge Sánchez-Chiong. There will be an introductory talk at 6.15 pm.
