The master's thesis focuses on the Sonata for Clarinet and Piano by the American composer Leonard Bernstein, its creation, influence, and content. Initially, the purpose and reasons for choosing this topic are presented, followed by a focus on Leonard Bernstein. The thesis explores his life, education, and creative work up to the creation of the sonata, which represented a special milestone for him as it was his first publicly published work. It also investigates his association with other composers and the influence of the Tanglewood Music Festival, known as a meeting point for composers of that time. The next segment presents the musical creations of Paul Hindemith during his time in the United States of America, his Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, and the influence of his music and work on Bernstein, who even dedicated an entire television show to him. This is followed by a more detailed presentation of Bernstein's Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, starting with how and where it was created, who premiered it and where, and who published it. The thesis also delves into the reasons for its creation, the influences on the composer while writing the composition, the structure of the sonata, and its significance and place in clarinet literature, both then and now. It includes a comparison of the first movement of Bernstein's sonata with the first movement of Paul Hindemith's Sonata for Clarinet and Piano. The comparison focuses on the form and harmony, and it is evident through both that there are quite a few similarities between the two works. Since the compositions are very similar in structure and sound, the purpose of the master's thesis was predominantly to find influences and connections between the two works and composers. In conclusion, the thesis assumes that Hindemith, with his work in the United States of America, his participation in the Tanglewood Music Festival, and his music, influenced Bernstein. Although we certainly cannot claim that Bernstein copied or reproduced in his sonata, as he was very original and innovative in his musical creation, patterns are still observed that represent the style and musical mentality of both composers at that time.
|
