Leonard Bernstein (1918~1990) is considered as one of the most important maestros in America, with a multiple career as a conductor, pianist, composer, and music educator. He is also one of the very few composers in the twentieth century who master both theatrical and classical music. Composed in 1941, the Sonata for Clarinet and Piano was Berstein’s early work when he just lest school. This Sonata was his only and small-scale chamber music composition, and the very first published work as well. Nowadays it is popular and often seen in the repertoire of concert, even arranged for cello and played by Yo-Yo Ma. Although it may not be difficult for clarinet players in terms of techniques, the music style of the Sonata is unique and fresh, which brings me motives to study this piece.

This thesis is developed by four parts: the first chapter is the general introduction of the thesis, followed by the second chapter to talk about Bernstein’s life and music background. The third chapter aims to analyze the Sonata in terms of music structure, and the last chapter intends to discuss the interpretation in music performance.