Rhapsody in Blue
George GershwinThe opening glissando is a classic example of register and timbral flexibility.
CINSTRUMENT · KNOWLEDGE GUIDE
Clarinet
It moves from a woody low register to a bright, penetrating upper register.
- Instrument family
- Winds
- Origin
- Germany, around 1700
- Related genres
- 3
ORIGIN
Where does it come from?
The clarinet developed from the chalumeau, using a single reed and cylindrical bore to cover a broad range.
ROLE IN ARRANGEMENT
What does it do in an arrangement?
It often carries melody in early jazz, classical music and regional traditions.
LegatoGlissandoRegister shifts
COMMON USES
Where will you hear it?
Common in classical music, early jazz, swing, klezmer and many regional traditions.
LISTENING EXAMPLES
Recordings and repertoire to recognize
COMMON GENRES
Common in these genres
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