Annotated Checklist of Mazzeo System Clarinets
Rosario Mazzeo
The Mazzeo System
In 1961, Rosario
Mazzeo (1911-1997) gave Selmer the exclusive license to manufacture Mazzeo
system clarinets. The instruments utilize Boehm system fingering with several
significant modifications. All Mazzeo system instruments incorporate the
following:
1. New B-flat': Played with 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 b-flat' and a' fingerings
also available.
2. Left-hand thumb plateau key.
3. Ringless
bell: Bell has less flare at bottom and no bell ring.
The following are featured on
full and modified Mazzeo system models:
1. E-flat'/b-flat'' may be played
with thumb, first, and third fingers and d-flat'/a-flat'' key of left hand.
2. B'
to c-sharp'' keys articulated.
3. Alternate
left-hand a-flat/e-flat'' key available.
Bibliography:
Rosario Mazzeo, Mazzeo Clarinet Manual (Philadelphia: Henri
Elkan, 1960).
Rosario Mazzeo, The Clarinet: Excellence and Artistry (Sherman
Oaks, California: Alfred Publishing Co., 1981).
Deborah Check Reeves,
"The Mazzeo System Clarinet: An Historical Review," The Clarinet,
Vol. 26, No. 2 (March 1999), pp. 62-64.
Makers
Buffet-Crampon & Cie
Chedeville, Edmond
Selmer, H. & A.
Selmer, Henri: 1953; 1961;
1963/1967; 1967
Mazzeo System Clarinets
(in chronological order)
NMM 5828.
Clarinet in B-flat, Edmond
Chedeville, Paris, ca. 1925. Rosario
Mazzeo Collection, 1995.
NMM 6113.
Clarinet in B-flat by Henri
Selmer, Paris, 1953. Rosario Mazzeo Collection, 1998.
NMM 6116.
Clarinet in B-flat, ca. 1955. Unfinished experimental
prototype. Rosario Mazzeo Collection, 1998.
NMM 5832.
Clarinet in A by Henri Selmer, Paris, 1961. Rosario Mazzeo Collection, 1995.
NMM 6115.
Clarinet in B-flat by
H. & A. Selmer (Bundy division), Elkhart, after 1961. Rosario Mazzeo Collection, 1998.
NMM 6114.
Clarinet in B-flat by
H. & A. Selmer (Bundy division), Elkhart, after 1961. Rosario Mazzeo Collection, 1998.
NMM 5830.
Clarinet in B-flat by Henri Selmer,
Paris, 1963 (bottom joint), 1967 (top joint). Rosario Mazzeo Collection, 1995.
NMM 5831.
Clarinet in B-flat by
Henri Selmer, Paris, 1963 (top joint), 1967 (bottom joint). Rosario Mazzeo Collection, 1995.
NMM 5863.
Clarinet in C by Henri
Selmer, Paris, 1967. Rosario Mazzeo Collection, 1998.
NMM 5834.
Clarinet in B-flat by
Buffet-Crampon and Cie., Paris, 1970. Rosario Mazzeo Collection, 1995.
NMM 5833.
Clarinet in A by Buffet-Crampon
and Cie., Paris, 1970. Rosario Mazzeo Collection, 1995.
NMM 14411. Top joint of clarinet in B-flat by The Selmer Company, Inc., Elkhart, ca. 1972-1980. Serial no. 580238. Bundy model 1400M. Mazzeo System. Gift of Bruce E. McGarvey, Blacksburg, Virginia, 2009.
Go to Rosario Mazzeo
Collection page.
National Music Museum
The University of South Dakota
414 East Clark Street
Vermillion, SD 57069
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