Form analysis of clarinet concerto of Carl August Nielsen and evaluation of it in terms of performance

Carl August Nielsen was one of the most famous composers of classical western music raised in Denmark. The composer was also a conductor, violinist and a good music educator. Six symphonies of and three concertos of Nielsen achieved to be a part of repertoires outside Denmark. In addition to these works; the composer had a lot of chamber music, theatre and chorus music, vocal music, piano music, organ music and operas. Op. 57 Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra, which was composed by Nielsen in 1928, is one of the most difficult works that often appears in clarinet training repertoire; technique and musicality is on the foreground in that concerto. High tessitura, passages of finger positions, formation of melodies, breathing technique, nuance and articulation alterations create significant difficulties for the player. Appropriate scale, exercises and studies before or during the performance of the work help these kinds of difficulties to be overcome and affect the quality of performance in a positive way. Nielsen was one of the important composers who contributed to the creation of today's clarinet repertoire by composing this work. It is thought that this study could be a reference guide for the musicians who are interested in clarinet concerto of Nielsen. In this study, the information about the life, music, works of Nielsen, the history of his concerto, its form analysis and evaluation of it in terms of performance has been given. Additionally, technical and musical difficulties have been analyzed and advices related to practice etudes and finger positions have been offered. Keyword: Carl August Nielsen, Clarinet Concerto, Breathing Technique, Articulation, Nuance.