The Spanish clarinet trio ‘Doctores Una Cosa Rara’ offer us a few pedagogical videos of how the clarinet has evolved throughout history. They use a very dynamic and entertaining way to show a diverse spectrum of clarinets, from the chalumeau to the electronic clarinet.

Please have a look at these videos by clicking here. Notice the difference in sound, material and construction of these instruments. Quite fun for children, it also includes a quiz you might like to try!

I have taken the liberty to translate these details from the website into English:

CHALUMEAU

• Period: Baroque, 1690
• Material: boxwood.
• Two brass keys.
• Sweet sound.
• Able to play only a few notes.
• Predecessor to the modern-day clarinet.

BAROQUE CLARINET

• Period: Baroque, 1710
• Material: boxwood.
• Two brass keys.
• Loud, shrill sound.
• Able to play high and low notes!

CLASSICAL CLARINET

• Period: Classicism, 1760
• Material: boxwood.
• Five brass keys.

ROMANTIC CLARINET

• Period: Romanticism, 1830
• Material: Ebony wood.
• 12 silver-plated keys.

CLARINET TODAY

• Period: 1980
• Material: plastic.