Approaches to Bartok's Contrasts: A Collection and Comparison by Clarinet Artists

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to broaden the knowledge of an important work in the clarinet repertoire, Contrasts, Sz. 111, for violin, clarinet and piano, by Bela Bartok. The method chosen for this study is the collection of interpretations of Contrasts by clarinet artists whose deep familiarity with the work has been acquired through many years of performing the work. Interpretations have been collected through interviews with the artists. Through the publication and comparison of interpretations by the interview subjects, it is hoped that Contrasts will become more approachable to clarinetists and their musician colleagues who wish to understand and perform the work.