ROBERTO SIERRA’S COMPOSITIONS FOR SOLO CLARINET

The present project focuses on the two compositions for solo clarinet by Roberto Sierra: Cinco Bocetos and Ritmorroto. Many composers throughout history have often written music for a particular performer. Sierra is no exception. These two clarinet works involve collaboration with some of today’s finest clarinet players in varying combinations of commissioning, premiering, and/or recording. Further insight into these works is provided by interviews with the composer and with the prominent clarinetists associated with these works. The first chapter of this document provides biographical information about Roberto Sierra, his compositional style, and his compositional output involving the clarinet. Chapter two contains an analysis of Cinco Bocetos in addition to comments from the composer and the clarinetist involved in the creative process. Consistent with the methodology applied in chapter two, the third chapter explores the second unaccompanied clarinet work, Ritmorroto. The concluding chapter summarizes the development of Sierra’s compositional style within these selected pieces. It is hoped that this document will serve as a valuable resource for clarinetists who study, teach, and/or perform these works by Roberto Sierra. Furthermore, this study should facilitate a better understanding of the composer’s compositional style for teachers and performers of the clarinet. Advisor: Diane Barge