The various schools of clarinet playing from the romantic period to the present

Abstract

Clarinettists coming from difference regions tend to present the same repertoire differently, by using different tone qualities and techniques. However, clarinettists coming from the same region seem to adopt similar performance practices. This raises questions as to why and how this ensues. A brief history of the development of the Boehm and Oehler system is given to understand the mechanical differences which effect the tonal characteristics typical of each system. The following chapter discusses the French, German, Italian and English schools of clarinet playing and characteristics specific to the school. These findings are then related to the recital repertoire by analysing recordings of clarinettists from the specific school associated with each piece. The research will aid the clarinettist distinguish between various techniques within the different schools and how they influenced the repertoire composed in a particular region. By having a palette of qualities to choose from, the clarinettist will be able to engage these techniques according to their own style and repertoire.