This 'methodical introduction' by Evgeni Orkin is designed for players wishing to play and experiment with the historical clarinet. It contains a summarised history of the clarinets, fingering charts for 5-6 key, 7-14 key and late romantic instruments (such as the Ottensteiner), exercises and studies, which focus especially on the so-called problem zones of the historical clarinet, a repertoire guide as well as tips concerning the choice of instrument and the selection and preservation of materials, and further information, which should help to answer numerous questions of those curious to know more.

Evgeni Orkin was born in 1977 in Ukraine. He studied clarinet, composition and conducting at the Conservatories in Kiev, Utrecht and Mannheim and now teaches at the Conservatory in Mannheim. His passion is the discovery and preservation of original instruments. Using the contemporary works of the corresponding historical era, he has recorded the tones of these instruments on numerous CDs.