A performer's guide to four clarinet works by William Bolcom: Concert Piece, Little Suite of Four Dances, Concerto for Clarinet, and Chalumeau

Abstract

American composer William Bolcom (b. 1938) established his reputation through his use of diverse styles namely atonality, interval series, neoclassicism, jazz, pop music, and ragtime. However, his clarinet repertoire does not receive as much attention as his other works and lacks scholarly documentation. In order to provide a comprehensive approach for fellow clarinetists, this document explores four commissioned pieces written by Bolcom: Concert-Piece (1959), Little Suite of Four Dances (1984), Concerto for Clarinet (1988), and Chalumeau (2004), providing background information, analytical overviews, and performance ideas for each piece. To further verify the findings of this document, the author has also interacted with the composer through e-mail correspondence and in-person coaching sessions.