THREE REEDS & A HORN: EXPLORING TRIOS FOR CLARINET, HORN, AND BASSOON

Abstract

Originally founded from a lighthearted collaboration between woodwind quintet members, trios for clarinet, horn, and bassoon, known as “Three Reeds & a Horn” ensemble has captured my interest as a performer and collaborator. Comprised of 3/5ths of a woodwind quintet, this trio is not a standard chamber ensemble. However, the repertoire from the Western European canon dating from the late 1700s – to early 1800s, would suggest that this ensemble has significant value and was a distinctive chamber ensemble. Through this dissertation, I seek to provide greater visibility for the Clarinet, Horn, & Bassoon trio ensemble, to highlight its legitimacy and worthiness of being studied, programmed, and performed. The available repertoire from the late baroque to early classical eras are excellent material for a lecture recital as the earliest surviving compositions for the trio originate from the late 1700’s, with increasing output through early 1800’s, which suggests these pieces were composed for pre-existing ensembles and likely popular. In addition to bringing forth historical works, this dissertation includes contemporary works, new commissions, and flex chamber music (where the instrumentation can be altered with interchangeable parts) which can easily be incorporated into a program with this ensemble. This flexibility creates a medium where 21st-century musicians can serve as advocates by commissioning underrepresented composers, such as women and composers of color, and incorporating themes to bring awareness and serve as advocates for causes such as gender inequality, climate change awareness, or civil rights advocacy. Finally, as music educators and professionals seek to increase access to chamber music for students and audiences, this ensemble provides new opportunities to program works spanning the gamut from the late baroque to the 21st century. The repertoire is rich and remarkably complex, the opportunities are boundless, and the future is bright for this tiny forgotten trio ensemble.