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International clarinettist Berginald Rash charts the rise of the clarinet from its humble place in the British wind bands of the eighteenth century to its status as an iconic, distinctively American instrument. The clarinet's portability and adaptability ensured that it was quickly co-opted across the continent, and in this programme we follow its emergence on the jazz scene alongside its classical leanings.

This uniquely American mix of cultures and genres led to the development of an American school of teaching and performance styles, and Berginald picks his favourite modern and archive tracks from this lineage. From Brahms to Zwilich, via Sidney Bechet and a vintage recording of Debussy, these are classic recordings which show just how twentieth century America fell in love with this European instrument.

Producer Ewa Norman.