The Bass Clarinet Works of Jonathan Russell and Pedagogical Guide of Extended Techniques Used in His Compositions

Jonathan Russell is one of the most prolific composers and performers of the twenty-first century and has made significant contributions to the bass clarinet repertoire. An interview was conducted with the composer to yield information on his background, education, compositional process, and his thoughts on the techniques he has written. This dissertation provides a pedagogical guide to extended techniques found within Jonathan Russell’s bass clarinet compositions. This guide is based on the works of Russell, books, videos, blogs, articles, and my own personal experiences regarding the techniques required to properly perform Russell’s works. The study demonstrates written examples and explanations of each technique and addresses the approaches on how to master and employ them when performing Russell’s compositions. This document is intended to provide a practical approach to extended techniques within Jonathan Russell’s compositions and other contemporary works in the bass clarinet repertoire. By focusing attention on pragmatic practice methods, bass clarinetists will be able to perform these extended techniques required in contemporary literature with greater success.