The second edition of Clarinet Repertoire is finally here! After Anoushka joined the project, we started researching works for this update back in June with the goal of publishing them in early September, but, as we all know, 2020 didn't cooperate with anyone. We've spent 8 months scouring the internet for more clarinet works, contacting composers, publishers, and other databases to try to confirm or correct our information, and discussing how we can expand the project to be more inclusive. It has been a long journey, and we are incredibly excited to share what we've found so far.
This update broadens most of the criteria limiting the original dissertation project. Instead of only unaccompanied acoustic soprano clarinet works, there is now a second table that includes any clarinet and piano duo work. You'll find some bass clarinet and E-flat clarinet works included in the clarinet+piano duo section. With two of us working on the project, we didn't think we needed to limit the scope quite so much, so we also removed the date limitation to include all works rather than only those composed since 1989.
As we discussed expanding the project, we knew we wanted to be more inclusive across the spectrum of gender identities. Our goal is to promote gender diversity in clarinet programming, and we recognize that womxn are not the only underrepresented identity in our musical world. For this update, we reached out to not only womxn composers but also composers who identify as non-binary, third gender, and in many other ways. We hope you'll visit each composer's website, read their bio, and get to know the person writing for you. Each of us has different experiences and perspectives that we should learn from as we seek to connect through our music.
This update adds nearly 400 clarinet and piano duo works as well as an additional 60+ unaccompanied soprano clarinet works. Some works are specifically written for younger students as pedagogical works, and some are challenging for the most advanced professional players. Some works are lyrical while others demonstrate incredible technical facility on the part of the performer. There are traditional tonal works and also those that explore extended and modern compositional techniques. Whatever it is you are looking for, you'll find it here.
We're going to take a break for a few months and focus on teaching and studying, but fear not! We already have plans for another update later this year. If you play bass clarinet or are interested in solo works that require electronics, keep checking back this summer for the next expansion. We know that there is still a lot of work to be done regarding equity in the classical music sphere, and with each update we intend to be more gender-inclusive. We want to make sure that we represent composers and their work faithfully, so we prefer to update the project slowly to ensure the integrity of how we present our composers.
If you have any questions about the pieces listed, are doing a repertoire research project of your own, or would like us to add a work to the current database, feel free to send us a message via the contact form. We'd also love to hear any feedback you may have about content or ease of use.
Finally, we would like to say a huge "Thank you!" to Nadav Kohen for his hours programming help as we musicians learn the basics of website design.
As always, thank you for your interest and support!
-Maggie and Anoushka