What Kind of Styles of Music Can the Clarinet Play?
The clarinet has long played an important role in Western, popular and folk music, though it can trace its roots to similar instruments used in Middle Eastern music. One of the reasons the clarinet has become such a popular instrument is its versatile nature. The same player can make a clarinet swing in a jazz band, growl in a rock band or sing in a classical or wind ensemble.
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Classical Music
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The clarinet is a standard orchestral instrument that has been used as both an ensemble and solo instrument since its invention in the 18th century.
Jazz Music
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The clarinet has long been used by jazz musicians in both the dixieland and swing styles of jazz. Some of the most famous jazz clarinetists include Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman and Woody Herman.
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Concert Band Music
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Concert band music written for wind ensembles will often contain parts written for one or more clarinet.
Klezmer Music
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Klezmer, traditional Jewish music, often features the clarinet. Because this music requires a distinctive embouchure, Klezmer musicians often prefer to use Albert style clarinets to help with this approach.
Brazilian Music
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The clarinet can be found in the Choro and Samba styles of Brazilian music. It is used by such famous players as Paquito D'Rivera.
Rock Music
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Bands--such as the Beatles and Billy Joel--have used the clarinet on their hit songs, respectively "When I'm Sixtty-Four" and "Scenes From an Italian Restaurant."
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Resources
- Photo Credit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Clarinet.jpg
