THE CLARINET IN THE VOCAL CHAMBER MUSIC OF ANTON WEBERN

by DELL, AMANDA PROCTOR

This thesis is an examination of all of Anton Webern’s vocal chamber works that include the clarinet: Opp. 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18. It provides relevant biographical information and background material for each song in addition to a brief discussion of the text and an explanation of the formal structure. The thesis includes a discussion of the clarinet parts from the viewpoint of a performer and pedagogue, and explores possible reasons or motivations for Webern choosing the clarinet as well as reasons for the type of clarinet (B-flat, E-flat, bass) he chose. It describes how the clarinet is used with the voice for the purpose of expressing Webern’s carefully chosen texts: those that reflected his passion for nature, his religious beliefs, and his love for family.