Matching Items (3)
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- All Subjects: Clarinet
- Creators: Spring, Robert
- Member of: Barrett, The Honors College Thesis/Creative Project Collection
Description
This creative project documents the methods and challenges of writing three clarinet choir arrangements of different musical genres, and culminates into three clarinet choir scores with an upcoming performance date. The three pieces that were arranged are “Dinah” by Sam Lewis and Joe Young, “Laud ye the Name of the Lord” from Vespers by Sergei Rachmaninoff, and “Peace” by Jeremy Zuckerman. The goal of the project was to arrange these pieces for clarinet choir without making any major changes to the form or style of the original works. Scores to the final three arrangements are included within this document, as well as a brief description of the processes involved in writing them. While the pieces were being arranged, the techniques of arranging were studied concurrently by reviewing a text on arranging, other successful clarinet choir arrangements, fixing the challenges that were presented by the pieces to be arranged. Each piece required a few drafts: after being written to near-completion, they were played by live clarinet groups and recorded to hear how they sounded. After these recording sessions, the pieces would be further edited for readability, suitability for the instrument, and overall sound and effect. Major difficulties are also covered within the following paper, including why those issues arose and what methods were used to solve them. Each of the pieces helped to explore different aspects of arranging for clarinet choir, and each piece has turned into a pleasing arrangement that may be performed by a live ensemble. This creative project greatly improved the skills of the author and serves to stoke interest in arranging and composition.
ContributorsGerman, Lindsey (Author) / Spring, Robert (Thesis director, Committee member) / Gardner, Joshua (Thesis director, Committee member) / School of Music (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
Description
Making Clarinet Reeds by Hand is an instructive manual for the collegiate or professional clarinetist seeking to learn about how to have more control over their reeds. It explores reasons to consider making one’s own clarinet reeds by hand, explains the process in detail both from starting with tube cane or from commercially purchased reed blanks, and includes a cost and time effectiveness analysis highlighting the benefits and disadvantages of making reeds by hand. The thesis also includes a variety of pictures, diagrams, and infographics to incorporate visual explanation as well as addresses the common mistakes associated with each part of the reed making process. The thesis is organized into many sections and section headings to facilitate quick reference for specific questions, as well as incorporates step-by-step guides that walk through the general reed making process.
ContributorsBreeden, Katherine Nichole (Author) / Spring, Robert (Thesis director) / Gardner, Joshua (Committee member) / Historical, Philosophical & Religious Studies (Contributor) / School of Music (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
Description
This thesis explores virtuosity as it applies to the following five clarinet works: Grand Duo Concertant by Carl Maria von Weber, Solo de Concours by André Messager, Caprice by Anders Koppel, Live Wire by Theresa Martin, and The Bangui Anomaly by Eric Mandat. By detailing the clarinet’s development, including its creation in the early 18th century and key innovations over the next several hundred years, the histories of several key clarinet manufacturers are described to further analyze the innovation of music at the time. This background is necessary to understand the foundation of the clarinet and how virtuosity is tied closely to its mechanical development. Based on this fundamental information, virtuosity is comprised of three pillars: technical proficiency, musicianship, and recognition. In order for a piece or performer to be considered virtuosic, they must exemplify all three pillars. Technical proficiency applies to physically manipulating the instrument, including finger agility, articulation, voicing, dynamic and intonation control, among others. Musicianship further describes personal interpretation within stylistic boundaries, and the ability to implement interpretive judgement. Finally, recognition serves as esteemed acknowledgement from a panel of field critics. Accompanying this paper is a creative performance recording of the five aforementioned clarinet pieces, demonstrating virtuosity through a wide range of musical genres and eras.
ContributorsGraf, Selena (Author) / Gardner, Joshua (Thesis director) / Spring, Robert (Committee member) / School of Music (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05