The American Clarinet

Original version

BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

BBC Radio 3

Radio 3

Documentaries

Music

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media: Arts

From Clarions to Clarinets

How Americans took a European instrument and made it their own.

The American Clarinet: So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star?

So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star?

BBC Radio 3 - The American Clarinet, So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star?

The story of how America took a European instrument and made it its own: a new century.

Berginald Rash explores the developments of the American school of clarinet playing from the late 20th century to today, and plays his favourite performers and tracks.

Berginald Rash explores the wide-ranging developments of the American school of clarinet playing from the late 20th century to today, and plays us his favourite performers and tracks. This time, the clarinet steps out from its early role as band-member, dons its tight trousers and strides straight out into centre stage - the clarinet as rock star!  There are stomping pyrotechnic concertos by Artie Shaw, John Corigliano and Scott McAllister, and Deborah Bish's provocatively bluesy chamber music,  and we also go to the movies with John Williams, with some modern developments in South America on the way.  But every school has its teachers, so Berginald digs out two classic recordings by the clarinettists that have influenced him most: the great performers and pedagogues, Harold Wright and Robert Marcellus.

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The American Clarinet

So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star?

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 3

About BBC Radio 3