Clarinet

The Clarinet is a book that offers unique perspectives on the clarinet's historical role in various styles, genres, and ensembles, from jazz and ethnic traditions to classical chamber music, concertos, opera, and symphony orchestras. It includes essays written by leading performer-scholars and covers topics such as clarinet iconography, the instrument's early history, its use in the opera orchestra and traditional symphony orchestra, important genres involving the clarinet, twentieth-century clarinetists, the HIP movement, and the clarinet's use in ethnic traditions and early jazz. The emphasis on topics not covered elsewhere makes it an important contribution to the clarinet literature.

Format: Hardback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 07 May 2021
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

The Clarinet is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the clarinet's historical significance in a wide range of musical styles, genres, and ensembles. Written by leading performer-scholars, this book offers unique perspectives on the instrument's role throughout history, from jazz and ethnic traditions to classical chamber music, concertos, opera, and symphony orchestras.

The book begins with a chapter on clarinet iconography, providing a visual introduction to the instrument and its various incarnations over time. It then proceeds to offer an overview of the clarinet's early history, tracing its development from its origins in the 17th century to its emergence as a prominent solo instrument in the 19th century.

Chapters on the clarinet in the opera orchestra and the traditional symphony orchestra provide detailed accounts of the instrument's role in these ensembles. The authors discuss the specific challenges and opportunities that the clarinet presents in these contexts, as well as the contributions that clarinetists have made to the repertoire and performance practices of these orchestras.

In addition to these chapters, The Clarinet explores important genres involving the clarinet, such as the concerto and the clarinet quintet. The authors provide detailed analyses of these works, discussing the technical requirements of the instrument and the contributions that clarinetists have made to their interpretation and performance.

Furthermore, the book includes chapters on leading twentieth-century clarinetists, highlighting the diverse range of styles and techniques that these musicians have developed. The authors provide biographical information on these clarinetists, as well as insights into their contributions to the music world.

The use of the clarinet in the historically informed performance (HIP) movement is also explored in depth. The authors discuss the importance of historically accurate performance practices and the role that the clarinet plays in these movements. They also provide examples of clarinetists who have been instrumental in promoting HIP and its principles.

Finally, The Clarinet takes an expansive look at the clarinet's use in ethnic traditions and early jazz. The authors discuss the instrument's role in these musical traditions, as well as its influence on the development of these genres. They also provide examples of clarinetists who have been particularly influential in these areas.

Written in an accessible style, The Clarinet engages a wide range of readers, from professional musicians to clarinet aficionados and music lovers with less specialized knowledge. Contributors to this volume include Jane Ellsworth, Eric Hoeprich, Albert R. Rice, Ingrid Pearson, Julian Rushton, David Schneider, Marie Sumner Lott, Colin Lawson, and S. Frederick Starr.

Overall, The Clarinet is an essential resource for anyone interested in the clarinet and its historical role in music. With its comprehensive coverage of various styles, genres, and ensembles, this book provides a valuable contribution to the clarinet literature and offers a deeper understanding of the instrument's significance in the world of music.

Weight: 564g
Dimension: 159 x 235 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781648250170