After the flute, the Bb clarinet is the second most popular of the woodwind instruments. A little harder to play than the saxophone, as the clarinet has more complex fingering, it is blown similarly using a single reed. The clarinet is more associated with classical music  as the romantic composers of the 19^th century  especially ( Brahms, Weber) wrote  a beautiful repertoire for both clarinet  solo with piano and in ensembles. The Bass clarinet with it unique sound is a sought after instrument for many Jazz players these days, whilst the smaller clarinet. in  Eb is sometimes played by smaller children due to its smaller size.

© M Irwin  -UTLM teachers Licentiate in Music (Unisa) 1-SA Musical Instruments