Jazz influences on the clarinet in classical compositions: how american classical compsers synthesized jazz and classical elements through the clarinet

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Authors
Hunt, Emily
Advisor
Willinger, Elisha
Issue Date
2024-05
Keyword
Degree
M. M.
Department
Other Identifiers
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Abstract

American classical composers in the twentieth century were experimenting with sounds that would make their music distinct from their European colleagues. They were looking for ways to achieve the “American sound.” In order to achieve this, many composers turned to jazz music. This research paper explores how American classical composers implemented jazz techniques into their classical works by utilizing the clarinet. Earlier studies include research on how classical composers incorporate jazz, through the clarinet and other means. However, this research paper goes a different route in providing American nationalism and how American composers encountered the jazz style. This paper focuses on the origins of jazz and how this style fit into the lives of all Americans. Included is a discussion on how the clarinet was introduced into the jazz scene and explains how the classical clarinet differs from the jazz clarinet. The history of how American classical composers found ways to fuse jazz elements into their works is included and how they used the clarinet to accomplish this goal. The composers discussed in this paper are George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, and Leonard Bernstein. All of these American composers found unique ways to incorporate jazz styles through the clarinet which altered the classical sound.