Mazzeo system
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The Mazzeo system is a key system used for clarinets. It was invented by Rosario Mazzeo in 1961, and is based off of the Boehm system. The point of the instrument is essentially that it is a Boehm clarinet with several modifications. Exclusive production rights were given to the Selmer company so they could be mass-produced, although only 13,000 were made. Most are now in museums, but there are some that are in private collections or can be found for sale.
The differences between a Boehm system clarinet and a Mazzeo system clarinet were that the Mazzeo system had:
- A new Bb key: this was laid with the A key and any one or combination of left-hand second finger or right-hand first, second, or third fingers; same fingerings, minus A key, produce A#; traditional Bb and A fingerings were also available;
- A left-hand thumb plateau key;
- A ringless cone-shaped bell with less flare.
These features were on full and modified Mazzeo clarinets:
- The Eb/Bb key could be played with the thumb, first, and third fingers and Db/Ab key of the left-hand side;
- The Bb to C# keys were articulated;
- There was an alternate left-hand Ab/Eb key available.
[edit] External links
- Mazzeo System Clarinets at the National Music Museum
- MFA Boston: Clarinets, Saxophones and Related Musical Instruments
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