Scan 111
THE AMERICAN HISTORY AND ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MUSIC, 1910
8 lines. Read by computer on 15 September 2026. Printed page 85. See the scan on archive.org.
1The most beautiful of the wind instruments is the clarinet, and it is also the most useful. It can assist the first or second violins, the viola, or the violoncello, and in the military band does the work of the violins. It can convey melodic phrases and accompaniments with equal grace, and blends well with the bassoons and horns. In writing for a full orchestra, the powers of the clarinet are reserved for the most aspiring effects, and it serves very largely as a melodic instrument. The clarinet also blends well with the soprano voice, and furnishes an obbligato in much operatic and sacred music.
3The bassoon, which is the bass of the oboe, occupies a position among the wood-winds similar to that of the cello among the strings. Its tones are heard most advantageously when combined with the clarinets and horns. When two are used with the strings, they give a soft warmth to the lower harmonies that is impossible with any other instrument. They appear well in solos to produce the mournful effect necessary in funeral marches, and can furnish a bass when the wood-winds sound without the strings for a time. The contra bassoon sounds an octave lower than the ordinary bassoon, and though exceedingly effective in suitable places, it is less frequently used than the higher instrument. It requires much breath for blowing.
5The English horn, the alto of the oboe family, is essentially an instrument for solo or obbligato work. Its voice is very beautiful, and it can give occasional phrases indicating great pathos and gentleness.
7The brass instruments comprise the horns, the trumpets or cornets, the trombones and the tubas. The French horn, as it is more properly called, when used in pairs, is a peculiarly genial instrument, adding a certain warmth to any gathering in which they may figure. The horn in an upper melody supported by the strings is very effective. A too popular method of using the horn is to have it emphasize the latter notes in a bar in the accompaniment to waltzes
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.