Iwan Müller (1786-1854) introduced a model of clarinet with a separate finger-hole or key for each note. He claimed that his Clarinet Omnitonique could be played with equal facility in every tonality.

• Pictures
• Talk by the player
• The sound of the clarinet
• History
• Technical details

Top of page

Pictures

Top of page

Talk by the player

• about the Müller clarinet

Top of page

The sound of the clarinet

• Hector Berlioz (1803-69), excerpt from `Witches' Sabbath' from `Symphonie Fantastique' (1830)

Top of page

History

• Maker: anonymous.
• Place: Possibly continental Europe.
• Date of making: Circa 1845.

Previous ownership: Purchased by H.I. Brackenbury from J. Albert, London, 1922, for £1/10/0.

Current ownership: Government allocation to the University, 1991.

(C.H. Brackenbury Memorial Collection).

EUCHMI Acquisition number: (1041)

Top of page

Technical details

• English name: Clarinet.
• Nominal pitch: Eb.
• Type: Müller type.
• Overall size: 474; 410 to top of barrel.
• Bore: 12.8

Technical description: Boxwood with brass ferrules and keywork. Two sections, barrel, bell and mouthpiece (cocus wood, not original). Normal 12-key instrument with C hinge-key.

• Keyhead type: round saltspoon.
• Keymount type: pillars.

Usable pitch: A₄ = c 445 Hz.

Top of page

All material on this website is copyright.
© Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments, 1999-2003, 2008.

This page updated: 29.10.08