Johann Georg Heinrich Backofen (1768– 1830 in
Darmstadt) was a German clarinetist and composer.
In his time Backofen enjoyed great fame; he was not
only known as a composer for, and virtuoso of the
clarinet but also played the harp, flute and basset
horn.
His year of death is not known with certainty; a year
of 1839 is found in some documents.
Although the Clarinet in B-flat is the most commonly
used type of clarinet, the Clarinet in A is mostly used
in symphony orch...(+)
Johann Georg Heinrich Backofen (1768– 1830 in
Darmstadt) was a German clarinetist and composer.
In his time Backofen enjoyed great fame; he was not
only known as a composer for, and virtuoso of the
clarinet but also played the harp, flute and basset
horn.
His year of death is not known with certainty; a year
of 1839 is found in some documents.
Although the Clarinet in B-flat is the most commonly
used type of clarinet, the Clarinet in A is mostly used
in symphony orchestras. It is longer than the B-flat
clarinet and is pitched a half note below and was
widely used by both Brahms and Mozart in their chamber
music. Since many orchestra pieces are written in keys
suitable for violins, the A clarinet "eliminates" the
most tricky keys for the B-flat clarinet.
This piece was transcribed from the original and as
such, is scored for 2 Clarinets in A. If you would like
a transcription for Clarinets in Bb, please send me a
request through my contact form.