The Versatile Clarinet gives a wide-ranging look at the clarinet and the music that has been played on it. The book offers a brief survey of the types of music that have been played on the instrument, key players, and issues facing clarinetists as they seek to expand the instrument's repertory and recognition. The topics covered include everything from playing early and historic clarinets; jazz clarinet technique; contemporary and avant-garde music; klezmer clarinet; and the history of clarinet recording. The book will appeal to clarinetists, music historians, musical instrument scholars, and general readers interested in the development of this important instrument.