Book excerpt: This practice-oriented book is aimed at musicians who are interested in playing the historical clarinet but have so far set or had to set other professional priorities. It contains - without any scientific claim - an overview of historical developments of the instrument as well as considerations on the choice of the instrument in the context of historically informed performance (HIP). Fingering charts for the individual categories of historical clarinet instruments are presented graphically, as is customary today. Finger exercises and studies are specially developed and designed to the fingering problems of historical instruments.Information and tips from practice are intended to be a guide for those interested and to help answering questions. A repertoire excerpt and references to further specialist literature are intended to stimulate the deepening of already acquired knowledge.