Inspiring Musicianship: String Playing Influences in H.L. Clarke’s Characteristic Studies

On May 26, 2023 By Brian ReichenbachIn Music pedagogy, Repertoire, Trumpet etudesLeave a comment

The following are resources from a presentation as part of the 2023 International Trumpet Guild Conference Research Room. For more background information, read the presentation abstract.

In the introduction to his Characteristic Studies, Clarke alludes to his source of inspiration for his etudes:

…I made a thorough study of violin methods and exercises, and adapting much of the material I found therein, for the needs of Cornet players. As a practical result the Twenty-four Characteristic Studies contained in this book, while of difficult grade, have been adapted from existing violin studies.

In fact, Clarke’s inspiration was Heinrich Ernst Kayser’s book of 36 Studies for violin published in 1848. All but two of Clarke’s etudes (16 and 24) can be traced back to an etude by Kayser.

Clarke/Kayser Comparison Chart

Clarke Etude	Key	Marking	Kayser Etude	Key	Marking
1	C Major	Allegro moderato	4	C Major	Allegro
2	a minor	Allegro	28	a minor	Allegro assai
3	D-flat Major	Allegro risoluto	11	E-flat Major	Allegro energico
4	b-flat minor	Allegro misterioso	25	d minor	Allegro
5	D Major	Moderato energico	8	D Major	Commodo
6	b minor	Moderato marcato	19	b minor	Allegro
7	E-flat Major	Allegro moderato	32	E-flat Major	Allegro moderato
8	c minor	Allegro agitato	6	c minor	Allegro molto
9	E Major	Allegretto guisto	3	F Major	Allegretto
10	c-sharp minor	Allegro moderato	30	d minor	Allegro moderato
11	F Major	Allegretto	13	G Major	Allegretto
12	d minor	Allegro moderato	15	B-flat major	Allegro moderato
13	F-sharp Major	Vivace	22	E Major	Allegro assai
14	e-flat minor	Allegretto con moto	18	G Major	Allegretto
15	G Major	Allegro ma non troppo	12	G Major	Allegro, ma non tanto
16	e minor	Tempo di Bolero	Appears to be original to Clarke
17	A-flat Major	Moderato	31	A-flat Major	Allegro molto agitato
18	f minor	Moderato	23	f minor	Allegretto
19	A Major	Allegro vivace	27	A Major	Allegro vivace
20	f-sharp minor	Furioso	21	E-flat Major	Allegro
21	B-flat Major	Moderato	10	C Major	Allegro, ma non tanto
22	g minor	Allegretto	35	b minor	Allegro con fuoco
23	B Major	Moderato	29	C Major	Moderato
24	g-sharp minor	Andante cantabile	Appears to be original to Clarke

Examples for Comparison

Continuing in the introduction to the Characteristic Studies, Clarke emphasizes several goals of the studies including:

…absolute control of technic, articulation, slurring and endurance….

…[the studies] will help the student play with comfort and ease….

Cornet players should…try to demonstrate their own musical and artistic individuality.

Ex. 1: “articulation”

Ex. 2: “slurring”

Ex. 3: “absolute control of technic”