Heckel clarina

The Heckel-clarina, also known simply as the clarina or patent clarina, is a rare woodwind instrument that combines features of both the oboe and the clarinet. It is a rare woodwind instrument that combines features of both the oboe and the clarinet.

Instrument Characteristics

The Heckel-clarina is a single-reed, conical-bore instrument made of metal, resembling a soprano saxophone. It has the fingering system of the oboe and utilizes a clarinet-type single-reed mouthpiece.

There are two versions of the Heckel-clarina: Sopranino in E-flat and Soprano in B-flat.

Sound and Range: According to promotional materials, the tone of the Heckel-clarina resembles that of a cor anglais (English horn) in its lower register, a saxophone in the middle range, and a clarinet in its upper range. This unique combination allows it to produce a versatile sound suitable for various musical contexts.

The history of Heckel revolves around the development of woodwind instruments by the Heckel family, particularly focusing on the contributions of Wilhelm Heckel and his predecessors.

Founding and Early Years

Johann Adam Heckel: The company was founded by Johann Adam Heckel in 1831 in Biebrich, Germany, in partnership with Carl Almenräder. They specialized in making bassoons, which quickly gained a reputation for their quality.

Expansion: After Almenräder’s retirement, Johann Adam continued to lead the company and expanded its offerings to include various woodwind instruments such as oboes, clarinets, and English horns.

Wilhelm Heckel’s Contributions

Wilhelm Heckel born on January 25, 1856, Wilhelm took over the family business after his father died in 1877. He made significant improvements to the design and acoustics of woodwind instruments.  Wilhelm developed a new contrabassoon that impressed composer Richard Wagner, leading to the creation of the Heckelphone, an instrument still produced today. He also worked on improving the sound quality of existing instruments.

Instrument Production

Throughout its history, Heckel has produced a wide range of woodwind instruments, including:

• Bassoons
• Contrabassoons
• Heckelphones
• Clarinets
• Oboes
• Piccolo heckelphones
• Heckel-clarinas

Legacy and Modern Era

The company remains family-owned and has continued to innovate in woodwind instrument manufacturing. Wilhelm’s descendants have maintained the tradition of high-quality craftsmanship. Heckel instruments are known for their exceptional quality and have been used by musicians worldwide. The company has played a significant role in shaping modern woodwind instrument design. Today, Wilhelm Heckel GmbH continues to produce a variety of woodwind instruments, upholding its legacy as one of the oldest and most respected manufacturers in the field.

Design Features

The Heckel-Clarina is made entirely from metal and has a conical shape resembling that of a soprano saxophone. Its fingering system is identical to that of the oboe, allowing for ease of play for musicians familiar with woodwind instruments. A notable feature of the Heckel-Clarina is its ability to produce a “triple sound.”

In its lower register, it resembles the sound of an English horn; in the middle register, it takes on qualities similar to those of a saxophone; and in the upper register, it resembles a clarinet.