The 21st century early clarinet method: a historical clarinet treatise for modern clarinetists

Abstract

As historical performance becomes more significant in concert life, the quest for an organized instruction on historical instruments including clarinets becomes ever more necessary. The aim of this document is to create an early clarinet method book for the contemporary clarinetist. It uses Jean Xavier Lefèvre’s Méthode de Clarinette as a guide and resource for developing one’s musicianship and technique on historical instruments and performance practices. The preliminary chapters discuss a basic introduction to the history of the clarinet, basic elements and practices that need to be addressed or altered for playing historical instruments, and any requisite informed performance practices to be learned. A new version of Lefèvre’s twelve sonatas are then presented with a self-masterclass guide for each to aid learning and performing on a five-key clarinet. Finally, the document offers a collection of further sources for further exploration of early music , including additional repertoire, books, articles, and audio and visual resources. This new method book attempts to be a crucial aid for any young clarinetist wishing to enter the historical field and help redefine the musical performing framework of standard classical repertory in gaining new insight into the perspectives of an eighteenth or nineteenth century performer or listener.