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Abstract
Composer Wolfgang Gabriel has written several works for the bass clarinet, exploring the versatility of the instrument. The focus of this study is Gabriels Sonate fur Bassklarinette und Klavier, Opus 30. The piece is based on six different Welsh folksong melodies and uses serialism to a high degree in developing these mostly diatonic melodies. This study explores the relationships of these diatonic melodies with the serial elements prevalent in the piece. This project also explores performance considerations for the bass clarinetist, especially in regards to the altissimo register, which Gabriel uses often. A fingering chart is provided with multiple fingerings for each pitch from written C-sharp6-C-sharp7. These fingerings were developed through experimentation based on soprano clarinet fingerings and the overtones most easily achieved on the bass clarinet.