| Today, the clarinet can be found in many different ensembles including orchestras, concert or classical bands, and jazz bands. One reason clarinets can be found in so many ensembles is because the clarinet can produce many styles of music. For example, the clarinet can produce arpeggios, marcato passages, legato passages, staccatos, tenutos, fortissimos, pianissimos, and everything in between.
The clarinet is and always has been an important part of classical music. In fact, the clarinet has been in concertos and symphonies dating back to Mozart. He felt the clarinet was an extraordinary instrument which should be brought in orchestral music. From then on, clarinets have always been an important part in symphonies and other orchestral works. Many other composers began to like the trend, and included the clarinet. Some of those composers include Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy, Stravinski, and Tchaikovski. Another composer who featured the clarinet was Gershwin. But as many people know, he didn't write classical music. Rather, he wrote jazz and upbeat musicals. One of his most noted works for clarinet is "Rhapsody in Blue." Yet another composer who used the clarinet in jazz was Louis Prima, who wrote "Sing, Sing, Sing." To this day, clarinets are still portrayed in these jazz works, as well as many others. There are also many small ensemble groups that include the clarinet. Chamber music, duets, trios, quartets, quintets, and many other orchestrations reserve important roles for clarinets. Over all though, the clarinet is a popular and important instrument of today. The clarinet is a wonderful instrument that with time, could be further perfected. With its flexibility in pitch and ease in articulation, the clarinet can accomplish almost anything. Many musicians have demonstrated the power and versatility of the clarinet. Some were famous composers, while others still perform today. And while we know about its past and present, its future holds as much mystery as its mellow tone. |
Get your own Free Home Page