EXAMINING SONATA FOR CLARINET AND PIANO BY FRANCIS POULENC IN TERMS OF CLARINET PERFORMANCE

In this study, Sonata for Clarinet and Piano by Francis Poulenc, who is one of the most important composers of the 20th century, is examined in terms of clarinet performance. The aim of this study is to help clarinet players perform the work with more ease and contribute to clarinet education. Poulenc's Sonata for Clarinet and Piano is among the most important works of the clarinet education repertoire, and is frequently performed both in lessons and concerts. This work, which the composer had written in the 20th century, holds an important place with regards to conveying the stylistic characteristics of the era. The work is written for the Bb clarinet, which is a member of the soprano group of the clarinet family, and is in three movements. First movement is Allegro Tristamente/Allegretto, second movement is Romanza/Très calme and the third movement is Allegro Con Fuoco/Très anime. The first movement of the work, besides its quick tempo, includes a somber expression. The second movement is a slow tempo Romance. The third movement is a Finale in a quick and fiery tempo. In this study, first of all, general information about the composer's musical identity is provided, then his works including clarinet are mentioned. Lastly, the sections of the Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, which include technical and musical challenges in clarinet performance are determined, and suggestions for overcoming these challenges are provided. This way, it is intended to provide current and future generation clarinet players with a new perspective for this work to be performed with ease in the light of the information provided