Jiří Hlaváč and his Ten virtuoso etudes for clarinet: An interpreter’s analysis of the first five movements of the cycle

Abstract

The study presents an analysis of Ten Virtuoso Etudes for Clarinet, written in 1992 by the eminent Czech clarinetist and teacher at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague Jiří Hlaváč (1948). The author, a laureate of several international clarinet competitions and Hlaváč’s pupil, tries to prove that the etudes are a feat of international significance in professional music pedagogy, which can positively influence clarinet teaching worldwide. She analyzes each etude from a technical and performance point of view and suggests their effective practice and correct solutions to selected technical problems. She bases her analyses and reflections on original interviews with Jiří Hlaváč, her teacher and colleague.