Episodes
| Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| From Clarions To Clarinets | 20221009 | 20230806 (R3) | International clarinettist Berginald Rash charts the rise of the clarinet from its humble place in the British wind bands of the eighteenth century to its status as an iconic, distinctively American instrument. The clarinet's portability and adaptability ensured that it was quickly co-opted across the continent, and in this programme we follow its emergence on the jazz scene alongside its classical leanings. This uniquely American mix of cultures and genres led to the development of an American school of teaching and performance styles, and Berginald picks his favourite modern and archive tracks from this lineage. From Brahms to Zwilich, via Sidney Bechet and a vintage recording of Debussy, these are classic recordings which show just how twentieth century America fell in love with this European instrument. Producer Ewa Norman. The story of how America took a European instrument and made it its own: the early years. How Americans took a European instrument and made it their own. |
| Mid-century Modern | 20221016 | 20230813 (R3) | Berginald Rash charts the fortunes of the American clarinet as it crossed both borders and genres in the mid-20th century. More people than ever - including thousands of children - were picking up this adaptable instrument, making it second only to the guitar in its popularity. We've seen how the dawning jazz-scene was an early adopter; now it was ubiquitous and indispensable across the musical spectrum, including wind band music and Latin jazz. Berginald picks his favourite performances from the evolving lineage of the American school of clarinet playing, including cuts by 'King of Swing' Benny Goodman and 1960s avant-gardist Eric Dolphy, and classical composers from Bartok to Bernstein. And we end with an otherworldly Jon Manasse performing the iconic Clarinet Concerto by great American composer Aaron Copland. The story of how America took a European instrument and made it its own: the middle years. How Americans took a European instrument and made it their own. |
| So You Want To Be A Rock 'n' Roll Star? | 20221023 | 20230820 (R3) | 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. The story of how America took a European instrument and made it its own: a new century. How Americans took a European instrument and made it their own. |