1768, from French clarinette (18c.), diminutive of clarine "little bell" (16c.), noun use of fem. of adjective clarin (which also was used as a noun, "trumpet, clarion"), from clair, cler (see clear (adj.)). Alternative form clarionet is attested from 1784.
The instrument, a modification of the medieval shawm, said to have been invented c. 1700 by J.C. Denner of Nuremberg, Germany. A recognized orchestral instrument from c. 1775. Ease of playing increased greatly with a design improvement from 1843 based on Boehm's flute.
After the hautboy came the clarinet. This instrument astonished every beholder, not so much, perhaps, on account of its sound, as its machinery. One that could manage the keys of a clarinet, forty five years ago, so as to play a tune, was one of the wonders of the age. Children of all ages would crowd around the performer, and wonder and admire when the keys were moved. [Nathaniel D. Gould, "Church Music in America," Boston, 1853]
German Clarinet, Swedish klarinett, Italian clarinetto, etc. all are from French. Related: Clarinettist.
实用例句
1. He went on to study music, specialising in the clarinet.
他继续学习音乐，主攻单簧管。来自柯林斯例句
2. The oboe and the clarinet have got certain features in common.
双簧管和单簧管有些相似之处。来自柯林斯例句
3. I encourage oboe and clarinet players to use plenty of vibrato.
我鼓励演奏双簧管和单簧管的乐手们多使用颤音。来自柯林斯例句
4. The bass clarinet forms a solid bass for the woodwind group.
