Original research into the links between vocal and clarinet tone reveals howclarinettists act as expressive conduits of musical styles in diverse ensembles. Thisresearch is relevant to musicologists and anthropologists as well as clarinettists andcomposers, who wish to gain an understanding of the vocal links in clarinet playing, andhow clarinettists function in socio-musical contexts. Research is mainly based onMusicology and Music Education (vocal-clarinet links), and also refers to sources inAnthropology (musical identity), and Ethnomusicology (music in ensembles) in order tofind some insightful connections. Ethnographic fieldwork is based on four professionalfreelance clarinettists in four different ensembles in Wellington, New Zealand. Theirfunction in western art and contemporary art music, jazz and klezmer music is explored,to discover how these clarinettists extend, mirror, partner, or replace the voice in thesemusical contexts. Additional work undertaken on bodymind integration is designed tocomplement the musical identity work in the thesis and to enhance the musicianship andphysical wellbeing of clarinettists. The section on clarinet design illustrates howdifferent combinations of instruments and mouthpieces can vary the tone quality of theclarinet and enhance individual playing styles. The research shows that due to theversatility and flexibility of the instrument, clarinettists are able to transcend gender,ethnic, and ensemble boundaries, to take on leadership roles and to act as expressiveconduits of musical styles in and between diverse ensembles. The outcome of theresearch highlights the intersection between the physiological relationship between thevoice and the clarinet and scholarship on musical identity.
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