Alto clarinet

Alto clarinet (Fr.: clarinette alto; Ger.: Altklarinette; It.: clarinetto contralto). A clarinet that in the late 18th c. was pitched in G, later in F or E♭, a 5th or 6th below the ordinary clarinet. It never gained a foothold in the orchestra, but became a military band instr. In appearance it resembles the *basset horn, with which it is often confused. Older specimens were often made entirely of wood. The bell of modern instrs. usually points up, whereas on older ones it pointed down. The…