24th Annual Student Research Conference
The Evolution of the Bass Clarinet
Benjamin T. Tate
Dr. Jesse D. Krebs, Faculty Mentor
In addition to its solo and chamber music repertoire, the bass clarinet is commonly used in literature for symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, and jazz ensemble. Though similar in many ways to the more widely used soprano clarinet, the modern design of the bass clarinet did not emerge until the nineteenth century and was soon embraced by prominent composers such as Hector Berlioz and Richard Wagner. In my presentation, I will discuss the technical evolution of the bass clarinet by exploring the various early designs through a slide show of photos. I will demonstrate some of the most important orchestral excerpts, including those by Ferde Grofe, Maurice Ravel, and Richard Strauss, through a live performance and a discussion of the performance difficulties of each excerpt. I will also discuss notable bass clarinetists, including those in the jazz idiom.
Keywords: Music, Bass Clarinet, Orchestra, Jazz, Instrumental
Topic(s):Music
Presentation Type: Performance Art
Session: 5-3
Location: OP Performance Hall
Time: 3:15