Integrating twentieth-century compositional techniques in original works for clarinet

Abstract

Music in the twentieth-century saw a change due to political issues and new technologies which created a shift in the century’s music style. Musical styles during the century have provided an inspiration for further compositional ideas which are still effective to this present day, resulting in the expansion of exciting new trends and forms. After World War I people started living in big cities, especially in America, and music used to reflect positive and good times in society. This led to modern composers branch off into different movements of styles, such as Expressionism, impressionism, Jazz, minimalism, serialism and more. This dissertation aims to present a connection of certain twentieth-century compositional techniques unified in works for the clarinet’s aesthetic prowess. The music presented in the portfolio seeks to put into practise different ideas on how the clarinet, as a solo instrument, has developed throughout the years through the adjustment of modern compositional techniques. The first part of this dissertation presents a commentary which includes an overview of the contribution of the clarinet as well as the development of new musical compositions throughout the twentieth century. A detailed analysis of the three original works is presented in the second part of this dissertation together with the scores related to the portfolio of compositions.