The Exploration Of Clarinet Performance: Johannes Brahms "Sonata For Clarinet And Piano In F Minor, Op.120"

The Clarinet and Piano Sonata in f minor by Johannes Brahms was written in the composer's late years for his friend clarinetist Mufierde. The landmark piece which is still one of the most-performed clarinet repertoire today, not only carried the essence from the classical period, but also embodied the emotional expression and composing techniques of Romantic chamber works.A good interpretation of the great work by Johannes Brahms as a clarinetist requires a consciousness of the whole background knowledge about this work and the composer, an understanding of its composing technique, its form and harmony, and a mature playing technique. Therefore in my document, I will investigate the whole history of clarinet music and discuss the characteristics in Brahms' s work in the first chapter, and then, in the second chapter, on the basis of the background knowledge and understanding of the composer's intention, I will focus on playing technique in the first movement, such as fingering methods and air controlling skills.