Alto Voice
The basset horn produces a warm and full sound, covering the alto/tenor registers in the clarinet family. It was a favorite instrument of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Recorded in the dry and controlled Silent Stage studio, it offers all common articulations.
Features
- Recorded at the Silent Stage
- Comes with short and long notes, legato, dynamics, flutter tongue, and repetitions
- Has Mixer Presets for authentic placement at Synchron Stage Vienna
- Allows you to switch off internal reverb for use in any virtual acoustic environment
Unique Design
Similar to the clarinet, the basset horn has a single reed and a cylindrical bore. It's easily recognized by the bend or kink between the mouthpiece and upper joint. It's typically in F and has extra keys for a lower range.
Instrument Family
As a clarinet, the basset horn isn't related to horns or other brass instruments. Mozart used it in many pieces, like his Masonic Funeral Music and the Gran Partita, and in several operas.
Sampling
The library offers a full set of articulations, including short and long notes, legato (even fast legatos for trills), crescendos, diminuendos, sfz, sffz, pfp, flutter tongue, and repetitions. Dry recording at the Silent Stage lets you place samples on your virtual stage and stereo field as you like, and integrate them with the Synchron Series using the internal convolution reverb of Synchron Stage Vienna.
Using the basset horn is a delight. First, assemble the instrument carefully. Start with the mouthpiece and then attach the upper and lower joints. To get the best sound, make sure your embouchure is correct - it's similar to playing the clarinet. When it comes to articulations, experiment with different ones to create unique musical expressions. For example, use legato for smooth transitions between notes and flutter tongue for a more playful effect. Regarding the samples in the library, you can place them on your virtual stage and stereo field however you want. Just remember to switch off the internal reverb if you want to use a different virtual acoustic environment. When it's time for maintenance, clean the instrument after each use. Use a soft cloth to wipe the inside and outside of the joints. Keep the mouthpiece clean as well to maintain good sound quality. Store the basset horn in a case to protect it from damage. Also, don't expose it to extreme temperatures or humidity, as this can affect the instrument's performance and durability.
