Ave Maria arr. clarinet in Bb & piano | Bach J.S. & Gounod C.

This Bach duet is in place to encourage good listening and intonation 

In this arrangement of the Bach - Gounod “Ave Maria” from PlentyMusic for clarinet in Bb  and piano Gounod’s melody is played by the clarinetist while the Bach Prelude No. 1 is played by the pianist. The music has been transposed from the key of C to F which is more suitable key in respect to exploring the range of the clarinet.  There is no definitive edition of the work and there are countless melodic variants so do expect to hear the movement played differently. Gounod’s arrangement has an extra bar (bar 27) than Bach’s original Prelude in C which has a total of 35 bars. In Gounod’s arrangement the first 4 bars are repeated making it 40 bars long without a repeat. Gounod’s melody if time allows should be internalised so that players they can concentrate on the tonal and interpretative aspects of their performance which in time will enable them to make the movement their own. The performance focus should always be on communicating the beauty of the melody in a legato singing style. The music editor suggests avoiding any exaggerated playing or eccentricities from the ornamentation point of view. There are many different interpretations of the Gounod arrangement particularly as to how the dotted notes are played and the pick-up or anacrusis notes in the section from bar 23 to bar 28. There are as many different endings to the movement as there are performances - deciding how the last 4 notes /4 bars are to be played is a topic in itself. In making a decision players should essentially consider the range of the instrument they are playing. Some of the tied notes can be/and are untied in the closing section particularly by brass players and other instrumentalists playing at a slow tempo. The best advice is to listen to contemporary practice and on the basis of the evidence make your own decision. Rhythmically the accompaniment needs to be played by the pianist in an even and as controlled way as possible. Pianists will need to make use of the sustaining pedal and its use is indicated in the opening bars and the pattern although not indicated should continue through the movement. The best rule to follow when using the sustaining pedal is simply not to overpedal and obscure the clarity of the harmony. Piano accompaniments are available as mp3 downloads playing at 63, 66, 68, 70 and 72 beats per minute (bpm). Pitch is at A = 440 hertz and the recording quality is 256kbps which will allow the recordings to be amplified and used in performances, teaching and practice contexts. Originally published as a Meditation on Prelude No. 1 by J. S. Bach the music appeared in 1859 with a text setting of the Latin prayer “Ave Maria” which has become widely known and performed both as an instrumental and vocal solo. Whilst Bach is a baroque composer Gounod, a French composer, known particularly for his operas belongs to the romantic period in music history. The movement is frequently performed at weddings and funerals as well as being an excellent concert piece. As this movement is so familiar to audiences, performers cannot afford to even go near playing a wrong note never mind actually playing one!

Title 2 | Invention 8 arr. clarinet duet | Bach J.S.

This Bach duet is in place to encourage good listening and intonation 

Sinfonia 2 arr. clarinet in Bb & piano | Bach J.S

A Bach piece with imitation & musical lines to follow

J.S. Bach's Sinfonia 2 BWV 788 in an arrangement for clarinet in Bb & piano. The clarinettist plays the middle voice in the arrangement whilst the accompanying piano part sounds voices 1 & 3.

The realisation playback at 60 dotted quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute.  

In this version ornaments have been omitted.

Playing the relevant  minor scale in all its forms natural, harmonic and melodic would be excellent  preparation for playing this sinfonia. Find scales in the free scores drop down menu on the website home page.

The voice leading in this sinfonia is not altogether straightforward and players will need to pay attention to the accidentals in the score possibly adding reminders if required. Conflicting accidentals often appear in different voices in the same bar.

A sinfonia that features arpeggios and scale runs with the rhythmic shapes in the lines having a strong repetitive element. The note values given in Bach’s Sinfonias often give an indication of intended articulations that are intended. Players should be aiming for a singing legato in their playing. 

The movement needs to be played, in the first instance, with an awareness of the patterns of 3 in the 12/8 time signature  (4x3 to the bar). 

Accompaniments are in place playing at 56, 58, 60, 62 & 64 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats per minute (bpm). They feature the piano  sounding voices 1 & 3 of the arrangementenabling the electric guitar 1 player to enjoy ensemble music as part of routine practice. There is a one bar click track sounding on the woodblock as an intro on the mp3 tracks.

It is important to keep to the written note durations. There are also some ambiguities in the voicing in the score that reference that the sinfonias were composed for an instrument with more than one keyboard – the harpsichord.

Rests have been indicated in the voices as they are in the keyboard version of the works 

Some of the rhythmic notation particularly with regards to the use of rests is ambiguous. Logic and rules do not universally apply. What tends to be in place is what is good for the eye.

The 3 part Sinfonias and 2 part Inventions are excellent movement for developing listening skills and good intonation in an ensemble playing context. 

The Sinfonias are works conceived for three voices and feature compositional processes very much associated with Bach’s contrapuntal writing namely: repetition, inversion, imitation, augmentation, diminution. In these works the closely related keys of the dominant, sub- dominant, relative minor are explored 

The movement should not be played too quickly. The music editor’s advice is that players need to be clear in their intention as far as the articulation of the lines and the dynamics. Whilst a movement that needs to be played with control there also needs to be a lightness of intention in the playing approach.

PlentyMusic arrangements provides music practice opportunities & experiences to instrumentalists of playing along with other instruments preparing the way for quality ensemble playing.

Theme &  5  Variations on a Swiss Air arr.  2 clarinets in Bb  | Beethoven L. van arr. Royle S .

A short set of variations  in what was one of Beethoven's favoured musical forms particularly in his early composing years 

This is an two part arrangement of Beethoven’s  Theme and Variations on a Swiss Air WoO 64 for 2 clarinet in Bb introducing players to the elements of Classical style and more particularly to Beethoven’s compositional approach .  The simple theme needs to be clearly articulated  and played with a detached but not staccato articulation. The WoO is short for Work without Opus Number and there are many jewels to be found found in this category of work by Beethoven. A tempo of 132 quarter note beats to the minute  is recommended for the playing of the theme and variations although variations 2 & 3 need to be played at a slightly slower tempo 120 quarter note bpm. Accompaniments are in place with both clarinets sounding enabling clarinettists to practice their ensemble parts. Each variation is given a short tempo click of three beats to enable accurate preparation for a performance.

Notturno  arr. clarinet in Bb & piano | Borodin A.

This melody features in the song "And this is my beloved " in the musical Kismet which was based on Borodin's music

The arrangement for clarinet in Bb with piano accompaniment uses the first theme from the third movement of Borodin’s String Quartet No. 2 in D. the movement is commonly referred to as “Notturno” meaning night piece. It is a very melodic movement and like much of Borodin’s music is very adaptable to being played by a number of different instrument combinations. There are 4 sections in the arrangement – theme, repeat of the theme with a varied and fuller accompaniment, the theme played in canon and a closing section which can best be be described as a coda. A tempo of 70 quarter note beats to the minute is used in the realisation and there are some octave transposition in the parts whilst the appoggiaturas that appear in the string quartet score have been omitted. Wherever possible material from the original work, which dates from 1881, has been incorporated into the arrangement. An individual clarinet in Bb part appropriately transposed is appended to the full score 

Title 6 | Notturno arr. clarinet quntet | Borodin A.

An arrangement of a movement that has its origins in a string quartet

The arrangement is scored for four clarinets and bass clarinet and uses the first theme from the third movement of Borodin’s String Quartet No. 2 in D. Dating from 1881 the movement is commonly referred to as “Notturno” meaning night piece and is a very melodic movement and like much of Borodin’s music is very adaptable to being played by a number of different instrument combinations. There are 4 sections in the arrangement – theme, repeat of the theme with a varied and fuller accompaniment, the theme played in canon and a closing section which can best be be described as a coda. A tempo of 70 quarter note beats to the minute is used in the realisation and there are some octave transposition in the parts whilst the appoggiaturas that appear in the string quartet score have been omitted. Wherever possible material from the original work has been incorporated into the arrangement whilst individual clarinet parts are appended to a copy of the full score.

Title 7 | Serenade (Petite Suite)  arr. clarinet in Bb & piano | Borodin A.

group of composers known and popularized as the “Mighty Handful.”   His interest in music was essentially as a hobby but he was very well connected in Russian musical circles and his “Serenade” from the “Petite Suite” was published in 1896. The ostinato pattern that features in the work is an excellent unifying element in the composition and the strong melodic element in this miniature explores in its original version quite a melodic range. A tempo of 60 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is used in the realization. The music editor suggests use of the piano sustaining pedal when playing the accompaniment although this has not been marked in the score. An appended solo clarinet in B flat part appropriately transposed is appended to the full score. Piano accompaniments are in place although it is a tricky start for the clarinettist.

Count carefully!

Title 8 | Lullaby (Weigenlied) arr. clarinet in Bb & piano | Brahms J.

A melody familiar to all presented in this arrangement with a piano accompaniment

Lullaby (or Cradle Song) by J. Brahms is a famous and familiar melody from the classical music repertoire. In this arrangement for clarinet with piano accompaniment the sounding key is Eb and the PlentyMusic video sheet music score plays back at 76 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute.

One of the most beautifully shaped and sounding melodies to be found in the history of  Western music. A movement that needs to be played and communicate simplicity even though there is a hint of something a little more complex in the lilting accompaniment.

Improve music practice strategies with PlentyMusic pdf sheet music and mp3 accompaniment downloads playing at 72, 76, 80, 84 and 88 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute with each being introduced by a two bar click beat. These are available from the PlentyMusic website. The piano accompaniments available are not as nuanced as an accompanist but do provide the opportunity for preparation for performance.

The melody needs to be played legato and there is opportunity to use rubato or robbed  time which is associated with the performance of music from this time. in music history.

As a song intended to be sung by different voices there is the reality that the music is transposed to a key most appropriate for the voice. When setting the music for performance by a solo instrument there is often a choice of key options for that particular instrument. Where appropriate the music editor has made more than one option available.  

There are wide variations in tempo as to how the music is performed. The music editor suggests learning the movement at a tempo of 80 quarter note (crotchet beats) to the minute. 

This is an excellent performance piece that can be played at a range of tempi and players should experiment with the tempo particularly in different acoustics and venues. As a familiar melody it needs to be learnt thoroughly and is an excellent piece for the soloist to memorise.

This is a movement inviting interpretation during a performance. Players need to consider articulation, dynamic range and matters of tempo in their performances. An awareness of tempo rubato and its relevance to music performance in the romantic period would also be a valuable practical consideration. Pianists should be aiming for a legato touch in their playing and while use of the sustaining pedal is recommended markings are not indicated in the score.

Formally the pattern of the music can be described as binary represented as ABAB 

The ornaments have been incorporated into the sheet music in the notation to add clarity of intention.

Analysis reveals the simplicity of the movement from the harmonic point of view. The tonic, mediant, sub-dominant, dominant 7th and sub mediant chords in the scale all feature in either root position or an inversion.  Analysis will help clarify how composers were so the reliant on the cycle of fifths at this particular time in music history.

Brahms is an important and significant romantic composer associated with many large scale choral and instrumental works. Most of his music is technically very challenging to play. This song arrangement  requires a relatively basic technique and is an excellent introduction to playing his music.

Brahms was a family friend of the Schumann family and the connections between them are often referenced in commentaries, music works and performances.

For those who have the time, skill set and imagination working the melody with a different accompaniment and stylistic approach can be a rewarding and broadening musical experience 

Re-invention is an important aspect of music making and PlentyMusic would be keen and willing to both listen and publish work in this category.

Title 9 | Lullaby ( Weigenlied) arr. clarinet quartet | Brahms J.

One of the most recognisable melodies from the repertoire in an arrangement for a popular music ensemble 

Lullaby (or Cradle Song) by J. Brahms is a famous and familiar melody from the classical music repertoire. In this arrangement for clarinet with piano accompaniment the sounding key is Eb and the PlentyMusic video sheet music score plays back at 76 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute.

One of the most beautifully shaped and sounding melodies to be found in the history of  Western music. A movement that needs to be played and communicate simplicity even though there is a hint of something a little more complex in the lilting accompaniment.

Improve music practice strategies with PlentyMusic pdf sheet music and mp3 accompaniment downloads playing at 72, 76, 80, 84 and 88 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute with each being introduced by a two bar click beat. These are available from the PlentyMusic website. The piano accompaniments available are not as nuanced as an accompanist but do provide the opportunity for preparation for performance.

The melody needs to be played legato and there is opportunity to use rubato or robbed  time which is associated with the performance of music from this time. in music history.

As a song intended to be sung by different voices there is the reality that the music is transposed to a key most appropriate for the voice. When setting the music for performance by a solo instrument there is often a choice of key options for that particular instrument. Where appropriate the music editor has made more than one option available.  

There are wide variations in tempo as to how the music is performed. The music editor suggests learning the movement at a tempo of 80 quarter note (crotchet beats) to the minute. 

This is an excellent performance piece that can be played at a range of tempi and players should experiment with the tempo particularly in different acoustics and venues. As a familiar melody it needs to be learnt thoroughly and is an excellent piece for the soloist to memorise.

This is a movement inviting interpretation during a performance. Players need to consider articulation, dynamic range and matters of tempo in their performances. An awareness of tempo rubato and its relevance to music performance in the romantic period would also be a valuable practical consideration. Pianists should be aiming for a legato touch in their playing and while use of the sustaining pedal is recommended markings are not indicated in the score.

Formally the pattern of the music can be described as binary represented as ABAB 

The ornaments have been incorporated into the sheet music in the notation to add clarity of intention.

Analysis reveals the simplicity of the movement from the harmonic point of view. The tonic, mediant, sub-dominant, dominant 7th and sub mediant chords in the scale all feature in either root position or an inversion.  Analysis will help clarify how composers were so the reliant on the cycle of fifths at this particular time in music history.

Brahms is an important and significant romantic composer associated with many large scale choral and instrumental works. Most of his music is technically very challenging to play. This song arrangement  requires a relatively basic technique and is an excellent introduction to playing his music.

Brahms was a family friend of the Schumann family and the connections between them are often referenced in commentaries, music works and performances.

For those who have the time, skill set and imagination working the melody with a different accompaniment and stylistic approach can be a rewarding and broadening musical experience 

Re-invention is an important aspect of music making and PlentyMusic would be keen and willing to both listen and publish work in this category.

Title 10 | Waltz in Gm  arr. clarinet in Bb & piano | Chopin F.

A work by Chopin not published until 1860 that dates from the last 2 years of the composer's life 

A gentle lilting  movement with a suggested tempo of 132 quarter note beats (crotchet) to the minute which is used in the realisation. This piece needs a needs to be played with a slight speeding up and slowing down of the tempo at appropriate places in the score which is described as tempo rubato and features in much of the best Chopin playing. Understand that the realisation doesn't apply rubato in a totally satisfactory way. The octave section that features in the melody of the piano score has not be transferred to the instrument writing in the arrangements. The trill in the penultimate  bar begins on the lower note and in the realisation 7 notes are sounded. The original piano work does have some additional ornaments which the performer may wish to consider adding after studying the solo piano score.  The repeats are also  played in the realisation. The solo clarinet part in Bb  is also appended to the full music score. Piano accompaniments are also in place.

Title 11 | Après un rêve arr. clarinet in Bb & piano | Fauré G.

Familiar as a French song this melody is also known as a solo instrumental 

The piece has its origins as a song composed in the key of the key of C minor published in 1878 and is one of the composers most beautiful and popular melodies. This is an excellent piece for developing tonal quality and the melody needs to be played with a singing expressive legato. In this arrangement a tempo of 56 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute has been used in the realisation. The accompanist will need to make use of the sustaining pedal although this is not indicated and the score does require careful study in respect to the reading of the chromatic harmony. Fauré as a pianist and accompanist was very much regarded as something of a metronome and not considered to be very sympathetic to singers of his songs particularly when they added subtlety and nuance at the end of phrases. It would be beneficial to spend time reading through the lyrics for the song in translation to have an understanding of the music’s original context. The full score is notated at pitch whilst the appended solo part has the clarinet in Bb part appropriately transposed. Accompaniments are available and play at the following tempi (1) 60 (2) 58  (3) 56 quarter note beats to the minute. There is a great range in the tempo that musicians both sing and play this movement and if the accompaniments available do not meet your requirements simply provide us with an annotated pdf score with the tempi score detail that you require and PlentyMusic will provide a bespoke accompaniment.

Title 12 | Sicilienne arr. clarinet in Bb & piano | Fauré G.

Whilst composed in the last decade of the 19th century the rhythmic template is  from earlier times 

A sicilienne is a slow tempo movement usually in a minor key with lilting rhythmic patterns and dotted notes enabling it to be described as a slow jig. This movement dates from 1893 and exists in several different arrangements. Fauré’s music possesses subtlety and as a composer he has a great awareness of instrument colour. Careful attention needs to be paid to the reading of accidentals as frequently different voices are sounding in what seem to be conflicting versions of a note. This is attributable to the modal element that it is a strong component of Fauré’s music.  Apart from this, attention needs to be made to the reading of the notes and the score detail particularly in respect to knowing which notes are tied.  In preparing the scores the most appropriate range of the solo instrument is explored and consequently different arrangements explore different octave ranges. The sustaining pedal is required when playing the accompaniment and this has been indicated in the opening bars of the full score. The accompanist has the choice of whether or not to spread the chords in bar 42 and 43. The realisation plays at a tempo of 50 dotted quarter notes to the minute. A clarinet in Bb part is appended to the full score  appropriately transposed as is the clarinet part in the full score. Quite a challenge to determine an appropriate tempo in what is music generally  played with fluidity and rubato although Fauré himself was regarded as something of a metronome when accompanying singers! The music editor has the view that the movement is often played too quickly. Accompaniments are available at (1) 58, (2) 54 and (3) 50 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. There is a four bar count in to assist the soloist.  For any player requiring a bespoke accompaniment please mark a music score with all the detail that you require regarding tempo and dynamics and forward to the PlentyMusic team. We  will endeavour to provide a solution. Just drop your edited music score as an image or pdf to the PlentyMusic office.

Siciliana arr. clarinet trio | Giardini F. 

This is a movement from Giadrini's string trio who was a famous Italian violinist

This intermediate level arrangement from PlentyMusic of the second movement Siciliana from the String Trio Opus 17 No. 1 by Felice Giardini is scored for 2 clarinets in Bb and bass clarinet.  Giardini’s string trio’s music are beautifully crafted works and need to be re-discovered and played. The tempo marking in the sheet music score is Adagio whilst the realisation of the score plays back at 44 dotted quarter (crotchet) notes to the minute. The chromatic element is a feature in the writing. Accompaniments are available for the violin playing at 42, 44, 46 and 48 dotted quarter (crotchet) note beats to the minute. If additional accompaniments are required for clarinet in Bb 2 and bass clarinet practice please advise the PlentyMusic Office. Trills begin on the note and have been notated in full in the video score. This area of performance practice is one that encourages debate and if instrumentalists have an alternative and the music editor is aware of at least one please do advise the PlentyMusic Office with an mp3 recording of a performance or rehearsal or even a sheet music version. The siciliana, siciliano or sicilienne is a slow dance with a lilting rhythm in three time which can be described as a slow jig and features quite strongly in baroque music and in many works since. Such music is often in the minor key, pastoral in character with dotted rhythms frequently prevailing.  Its origins are possibly Sicilian because of its association with the Sicilian born Alessandro Scarlatti but more likely to the madrigals of the Italian renaissance. Giardini’s music is familiar to those who sing hymns as the tune Moscow was composed by him. Giardini 1716 – 1796 Italian by birth, was a violinist and composer, who toured widely in Europe settling in England and becoming an orchestra leader of the Italian Opera in London and director of the orchestra at the London Pantheon. He worked closely with his friend and colleague J. C. Bach, familiarly referred to as the the London Bach. For a 15 year period from the mid 1750’s Giardini was considered to be one of the very best performing artists of his time. As a composer his chamber music, particularly his string trios, are best known and his compositional style combines style galant with the classicism of J. C. Bach and the Mannheim school associated with Stamitz. This so called pre-classical period in music is a fascinating period to study because of the great diversity in music across the main music centes of Europe.  After leaving England in 1784 for Naples his career faltered due mainly to changes in secure financial circumstances.

Title 14 | Spanish Dance No.5 arr. clarinet in Bb & piano | Granados E.

Granados's dance captures the spirit of the Spanish style and idiom in a stunning and very popular movement

Spanish Dance No. 5 by E. Granados from PlentyMusic arranged for clarinet  with piano accompaniment in the key of D minor. A clarinet part appropriately transposed is appended to the full score which is available as a pdf. Piano accompaniments are available playing at 47|94|47, 50 |100|50 and 53|106|53 beats to the minute. This popular and appealing intermediate level movement dates from 1890 and its use of the phrygian scale gives it a characteristic Spanish identity. Granados (1867 - 1916) was a Catalan composer and his 12 Spanish Dances date from 1890. His music identifies so much with the sound world of Spain and he is often described as a nationalist composer. Interestingly much of his music is more familiar to audiences transcribed for classical guitar. Changing time signatures are a feature of the movement, with an emphasis on the second beat of the bar and the use of accents and pauses. Ostinato is a term that could be used to describe the accompaniment figuration that features strongly in the movement. An ostinato is a repeating pattern usually repeated through a composition. Both acciaccaturas (crushed notes) and appoggiaturas (leaning notes) feature in the arrangement. The Spanish Dance No. 5 is a very appealing work in ABA (ternary form) which was very much the composing default for instrumental compositions for the time described as the late romantic or nationalist era in music history. The tempo indication given by the composer in the piano score is Andantino, quasi Allegretto indicating a pulse of slightly more than a walking pace with the middle section marked Andante. These markings possibly suggest the music should be played at a faster tempo than demonstrated in the realisation which plays back at a tempo of 50|100|50 beats to the minute. The first and last section are in 6/8 time whilst the Andante B section is in 3/4 time. The slowing downs at the end of phrases and the return to a tempo or tempo primo are not indicated or marked in the music score although they are an important and necessary aspect of any performance as is the use of tempo rubato. Pauses which are often introduced in a performance also are not indicated in the accompaniments and realisations. This is a great movement for instrumental players to explore tempo. Ideally the first and last section should also be played at the same tempo adding an additional performance challenge. The music can be played and given a more dance like character if some of the melodic notes are played staccato. The music editor suggests that this is an aspect of performance that can be explored although the suggestion is that playing should never be too exaggerated. The last note in the arrangement can possibly be omitted. The music editor suggests it is in place as the dominant note of the succeeding Spanish Dance No. 6. Representing the Spanish musical elements in the staff notation system is a challenge and clearly some comprises are needed particularly in respect to the notation of scales, harmonic colour, dynamics, tempo and ornamentation. The essential elements of Spanish music are its dramatic character often achieved by modal shifts from minor to major and vice versa, its use of the phrygian scale and rhythms derived from the popular dance rhythms of its diverse and rich culture. When music that identifies with a country or region is presented in a notated music score there are comprises to be made in respect to representing the musical elements. The music editor always suggests listening to performances of music to have an understanding particularly of contemporary practice. Performers should also understand that there are some ambiguities, contradictions and often errors in the available printed music scores. This is an appealing piece of music with many challenges from the performance, music setting and analysis point of view. The composer was clearly challenging the musical boundaries of his time in respect to how the music of his nation could be represented as notated music.

 Serenade arr. clarinet quartet | Hoffstetter R.

Music has been attributed to Haydn  but it actually by Hoffstetter J.

Serenade by R. Hoffstetter is a movement from a popular classical string quartet. The arrangement for clarinet quartet marked Andante cantabile in this arrangement sounds in the key of B flat whilst the PlentyMusic sheet music realisation plays back at 90 quarter note (crotchet)  beats to the minute. Improve music practice strategies by downloading this sheet music score and accompaniments from PlentyMusic.

 

The music possesses classical beauty and is sustained in its quality and whilst attributed to Haydn is now known to have been composed by Roman Hoffstetter. The melody does sound easy to play although there are challenges in playing music of this era well and musically. In a performance, the articulation of the notes needs to be consistent - the melody is to be  played legato with a  pizzicato strings style detached accompaniment. A tempo in the range from 90-102 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the bar is suggested while individual instrument parts are appended to the full score available as a pdf download from the website.

 

The repeats which are not marked in the video score do not play in the realisation or video score. mp3 clarinet  accompaniments are available playing at 86, 90, 94, 98 and 102 quarter note (crotchet) beats to  the minute. The accompaniments feature the clarinet in Bb 2, clarinetin Bb 3 and bass clarinet parts and gives opportunity to the clarinet in Bb 1 player to practice in an ensemble context. A two bar click track sounding on a wood block can be heard at the opening of the accompaniments to establish the tempo. 

An ideal concert item because the music epitomises so much of classical style although surprisingly not composed by one of the famous and familiar classical composers.

 

The repetitive element in the melodic writing is strong whilst the melody line combines chordal and stepwise shapes. The appoggiaturas do often create dissonance in the melodic line whilst the chromatic harmonic colour add to the music’s appeal and interest. In the PlentyMusic sheet music score pdf available for download the appoggiaturas  (leaning notes) have been notated as they are to be played whilst the acciaccaturas (crushed notes) are indicated as ornaments with the appropriate symbol. In the video score all the ornaments are notated to add clarity to what is a frequently a contentious area. The ornaments, acciaccaturas (crushed notes) whi are probably best omitted in the early stages of playing the movement.

This is an excellent movement for developing an understanding of performance practice and the understanding of dissonance, harmonic rhythm and other musical elements that feature in compositions from the classical era. One of the best reasons to play classical music is that it is a positive element in giving players an awareness of basic structures and shapes in music. Additionally, it is also one of the best ways of developing a secure performing/playing technique on an instrument. Classical style features elements of contrast particularly with regard to key and dynamics. As there is also a strong repetitive element that requires the music to played with both simplicity and consistency. 

  

The melody can be played with a variety of articulations but in the first instance particularly as an ensemble piece a legato approach is suggested.  How the melody is shaped and played in the opening section is how the melody should be played for the rest of the movement. Listening to a number of performances of the score the music it is surprising how different interpretations can be particularly in respect to tempo, articulation of the melody line, the range of dynamics used and particularly the interpretation of ornaments whether appoggiaturas or acciaccaturas. Instrumentalists should appreciate that classical music can be interpreted differently and what is indicated on the page particularly with regard to ornamentation, phrasing and  articulation are discussion points. Listening to available recordings will give an awareness how differently the same music can be played but appreciate that the music editor has been intent upon producing a score that is both consistent and has clarity.

 

Roman Hoffstetter, the composer of this music, was interestingly a Benedictine monk, strongly influenced by Haydn in his music so much so that this perfect imitation of Haydn’s style has in the past been assimilated into Haydn’s own catalogue.

Plaisir d'amour arr. clarinet & piano | Martini J.P.

This melody originates as a classical French love song but has been adapted in more recent times in several pop arrangements 

This music originates as a classical French art song which has over the years has been arranged and performed in many different styles and contexts. In this arrangement in the key of Eb,  a tempo of just 43 dotted quarter notes to the the minute is used in the realisation although there a slight speeding up for the piu mosso section. As far as the solo part is concerned, there are just two ornaments which appear in the final section as a performance option whilst the acciaccaturas (crushed notes) do not sound in the realisation. This is an excellent piece to explore playing at a slow tempo. The item has been prepared with the intention of it being played as a concert piece by someone in their second year of playing a musical instrument. Listen to a number of recordings of performances particularly by singers to gain an understanding of how this music can be performed. An appropriately transposed clarinet in Bb part is appended to the full score which is notated at pitch. Piano accompaniments are available playing at 42|45|42, 45|48|45 and 48|52|48 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute.

Spring Song arr clarinet in Bb & piano | Mendelssohn F.

An uplifting movment literally full of all  the joys of spring

A joyous and uplifting movement both for the player and the listener. A tempo of  84 quarter note beats (crotchet) to the minute is suggested and used in the realisation. Whilst a performance should not be rushed it also mustn't drag. Listen to performances  of this work by different instrument combinations to form  a musical picture of how the work should be performed. I would suggest that this an example of a piano piece that actually sounds much better played by a combination of instruments. Look for any repeating patterns in the music as an understanding of the formal patterns will assist players in their performances. In the arrangements for solo instrument with piano  accompaniment some voicing changes have been made to the piano part to aid clarity and musicianship. Acciaccaturas and in the melody line are notated in the score but are nor realised in the playback scores. Pianists need to experiment with the sustaining pedal to obtain the sound that they want - the music editor's preference is to pedal on and off on each beat of the bar with some flexibility particularly at cadences. Piano accompaniments are available playing at 72, 76 and 80 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. There is a two bar introductory click track sounding on the woodblock before the movement begins. If players need a click track added for the cadenza at bars 48-49 please advise the PlentyMusic office.

First Movement Divertimento No.3  arr. 3 clarinets in Bb | Mozart W.A.

The spirit of  classical music and particularly Mozart's style is captured perfectly in this movement 

In this arrangement for 3 clarinets in Bb the sounding key is Bb and a tempo of 132 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is used in the realisation. The parts for the individual instruments are appended to the full score in the pdf download. This movement demonstrates the essential elements of Mozart’s compositional style in a work accessible to a wide range of instruments and instrument combinations. The realisations at times just lack the rhythmic lightness that is required in a Mozart performance. His music demands playing that is accurate, consistent and sensitive stylistically. The Divertimento (and the related Viennese Sonatinas) are relatively easy works well worth exploring. Accompaniments are in place enabling each of the clarinets to prepare for a rehearsal and performance. They play at 120, 132 and 144 quarter note beats per minute. This is a movement that encapsulates the musical and style of Mozart and at the same time demonstrates many of the musical elements evident in the classical style. The clarinet in Bb 3 is an octave transposition of a bass clarinet part.

Laudate Dominum arr. clarinet  & piano | Mozart W.A.

Music that has its origins as a sacred vocal aria  but is also a perfect instrumental solo

An intermediate level arrangement for clarinet in Bb with piano accompaniment of Mozart’s Laudate Dominum which dates from 1780. The arranger’s intention has been to prepare a performance piece with the melody accompanied by the piano sounding arpeggiated chords and bass. This is classical music in the truest of senses.

The realisation plays back at 36 dotted quarter notes or crotchet beats to the minute.

Improve music practice routines by using PlentyMusic piano accompaniments playing back at 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 and 42 dotted quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute available from the PlentyMusic website.

In the solo instrument with piano accompaniment arrangement the hidden empty staves option has used simply to reduce the number of pages required in printing the score.

The text derived from the psalms suggests a prayer context which makes this an appropriate performance piece needed for a time of reflection.

The full title of the work by Mozart is Laudamus Dominum omnes gentes from Vesperae solemnes de confessor K.339.

As there is a reduction in the musical texture some of the original musical content has been omitted.

The rhythms of the melody are determined very much by the patterns of the latin text and it would sensible for instrumentalists to be familiar with a recording or two of the original version of the work.

This is an excellent piece to study to see how the composer resolves dissonance and makes use the circle of fifths in his harmonic choices. Mozart’s approach to composition is always very disciplined and studied but at the same time musical ideas are always expressed originally and imaginatively.  Appoggiaturas (leaning notes) are also a strong feature.

Galop | Can-Can arr. clarinet quintet | Offenbach J.

A movement that captures the joy and mischief of a dance associated with the cabaret acts of  the" Moulin Rouge"

This is music associated with the lighter side of serious music making and is a lively, energetic piece with a fast tempo and instantly recognisable melody.  This is a genuine performance piece to be enjoyed by both instrumentalists and audiences alike. It is very evident that Jacques Offenbach had a real gift and sense of melody and fun in making music.  Not necessarily favoured by the music critics of the time, much of his music has nevertheless remained in the repertoire. Nietzsche & Zola also commented on his operettas for those who want to discover more about the ambivalence of his status.

Clarinettists will need to pay attention to the range of articulations and dynamics needed in a performance.

Repeat signs are in place in the score whilst the realisation plays back at 120 quarter note (crotchet) beats in the introductory first section and 132 quarter (crotchet) note beats in the second. Clarinet accompaniments are also in place enabling clarinettists  to enjoy an ensemble experience as part of practice routines. There is a 4 bar click track at the beginning of each accompaniment sounding on the woodblock. If a clicks are required during the silent sections please advise the PlentyMusic office and these will be added.  Repeats are in place and should be played to maintain the symmetry and shape of the piece.  

As unmistakenly music intended for dancing there is a regular phrase structure in the second section and repetition is a strong feature of the composing process. There is an opening 23 bar section marked Allegro succeeded by a faster section which has an A B C A A + Coda structure with a 2 bar link between sections B & C.

“Le Galop” is often referred to as the “Can-Can” and was first performed in 1858 causing a bit of a stir because of its risqué nature though more in the visual rather than musical sense. Le Galop is from Act 2 of Offenbach’s operetta “Orpheus in the Underworld.” The can-can dance become associated with the Parisian cabarets of the Moulin Rouge and Folies Bergère. The easily remembered tune became associated with the high kicking female can-can dancers of the day. 

Jacques Offenbach (1819 – 1880) whilst German born is considered to be a French composer known for the lighter side of opera referred to as operetta. Many of his works are still staged and he was an important influence on later composers of the genre. In his early days he earned his living as a cellist & conductor before producing his first full length operetta  “Orpheus in the Underworld” in 1858. His final work “The Tales of Hoffmann” was incomplete at the time of his death.

Rondeau from Sonata Concertante arr. clarinet in Bb & piano | Paganini N.

An excellent performance piece with a recurring theme that has appealing  challenges for  the performer

This movement is an arrangement of music that was originally composed for the violin and guitar. The third movement of Niccolo Paganini’s Sonata Concertata essentially has the form and mood of a rondo which are typically found as the final movement of a concerto. This is an appealing uplifting joyful movement with challenges for both the solo player and accompanist. The realisation plays back at 96 dotted quarter notes to the minute and the movement can be performed in a tempo range from 88 to 104 dotted quarter notes to the minute. There is still much repertoire to be discovered and shared from existing music and Paganini’s compositions for violin and guitar are part of this legacy. Legato playing is to be encouraged and solo instrument players need to consider how they play the sections where the piano accompaniment has the dominant musical material. There is opportunity to perhaps ornament and decorate the solo instrument line. The sectional structure of the rondeau encourages good practice strategies and as the repetitive element is strong it makes it an ideal performance piece for the player seeking to gain experience and confidence in this aspect of their playing. The repeat of the first section has been retained in the realisation and music score but could be omitted in a performance. The use of the sustaining pedal is to encouraged in the accompanying piano part although pedal markings are not indicated in the score. So much can be learnt about playing difficult pieces by playing easy pieces and this movement is a case in point. This ensemble piece has been included in the PlentyMusic Concert Hall area of study. There is the option of slowing down at the end although this is probably only appropriate when the tempo is 100 or more beats to the minute. There are some lovely Spanish music references through the use of the phrygian mode in the section from bars 76 to bar 84. Paganini (1782 – 1840) is a unique and quite captivating figure in the history of music who influenced many romantic composers inspiring many to write for the piano as he did for the violin. His music and particularly his virtuoso approach has been the inspiration for compositions by many other composers including Schumann, Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninov amongst others. He was the outstanding violinist of his age and in addition was an excellent guitarist although his performances on this instrument were shared with friends rather than the public. He also left a teaching legacy as well as compositions and a well documented and renowned performance legacy. Mp3 piano accompaniment files can be downloaded from the PlentyMusic website enabling solo instrument players to enjoy an ensemble music experience. Accompaniment 1 plays at 88 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute, Accompaniment 2 plays at 92 dotted quarter note  (crotchet) beats to the minute and Accompaniment 3 plays at 96, Accompaniment 4 plays at 100 and  Accompaniment 5 at 104 dotted quarter note  (crotchet) beats to the minute. The accompaniments are recorded at 256 kbps which should enable them to be played through speakers in a performance context. Please advise the PlentyMusic Office if there is any feedback on this aspect of their use.

 First Movement from the Trio Sonata arr. clarinet in Bb & piano | Pergolesi J.B.

A Pergolesi movement that in the 20th century was  arranged by  Igor Stravinsky

Giovanni Battista Pergolesi became a Naples based composer from 1725 when the city was an important musical centre.

His life sadly was cut short by illness but he did become a well-known composer in his lifetime particularly for his Stabat Mater and opera buffa. The music editor’s approach has simply been to present an arrangement for solo instrument with piano accompaniment. There is no baroque or for that matter classical preoccupation with the challenge for the performer being to present what is a charming and appealing piece of music in a performing context. The sounding key is Eb and the tempo of the realisation is 66 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute whilst the repeat is not played. In the sheet music score the ornaments are represented by symbols although the mordents do not sound and are optional. For those actually wanting to see how the ornaments are played have a look at the realisation score which is on our YouTube channel. Elements of baroque style can be identified in the rhythmic detail and the contrasting dynamics. The accompanist does need to make use of the sustaining pedal and there is some score detail relating to its use in place. An arrangement for solo violin with piano accompaniment by Alessandro Longo based on the trio sonata by Pergolesi is the source for this particular arrangement. Longo is best known for his work cataloguing Scarlatti’s sonatas and apart from being a fine concert pianist was Director of the Naples Conservatory. There are many other works have been incorrectly attributed to Pergolesi because as his name was well known, it was easy to sell the sheet music of others in this way! A clarinet part appropriately transposed is appended to the full score. There are three piano accompaniments available at tempos of (1) 68 (2) 66 and (3) 64 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. Each accompaniment has a click track at the opening to give the tempo enabling players to play the upbeat in time.

 Cantilene arr. clarinet in Bb & piano | Rhienberger J.

The  strong melodic content  of this organ piece makes it suitable as an  arrangement for a solo instrument accompanied by piano 

This arrangement of Rheinberger’s Cantilene for clarinet in B flat with piano accompaniment is available with mp3 piano accompaniments. A clarinet part is appended to the full score available as a pdf download. Piano accompaniments are also available playing at 80, 84 and 88 eighth (quaver) note beats to the minute Rheinberger was a prolific composer and made a significant contribution to the organ music repertoire. Born in Liechtenstein he spent most of his life in Germany. He was also a distinguished teacher from the years he spent in Munich and Richard Strauss was just one of many distinguished pupils. J.G. Rheinberger is a name familiar to organists but like many church composers his music is not widely known outside the music world in which he worked. The Cantilena is the second movement of Rheinberger’s Organ Sonata No. 11 in D minor published as his Opus 148. The work was composed in 1888. Rheinberger was particularly influenced by J.S. Bach, F. Mendelssohn, R. Schumann and J. Brahms in his compositional approach. While the piece is reminiscent of Bach’s Arioso style the strong chromatic element in the writing belongs very much to its time identified as the late romantic period in music history. A beautifully crafted score this is really a late 19th century manifestation of a Bach chorale harmonisation with the influence of Brahms chromatic harmony. Apart from the beauty of the melody the counterpoint particularly in the inner parts of the accompaniment is a joy to explore. There are few dynamic markings in the score which is untypical of music scores of the time. The realisation plays back at 84 eighth note beats to the minute. Instrumentalists should play with an awareness of the eighth note or quaver pulse. Performers would be wise to study the harmonic outline and examine the voice leading in the individual parts. Careful attention needs to be paid to the accidentals and tied notes in the score. The music scores available are often contradictory particularly in respect to the tied notes in the inner parts. The small ornamental notes do not always sound in realisations and are best omitted whilst the movement is being studied. Cantilena is an Italian/Latin word suggesting both lullaby and song. A movement that is intended to be played quietly in a sustained approach. The melody and inner parts need to be played with a legato whilst the bass line is played with a detached or staccato touch. This is an excellent movement for developing good intonation in ensemble playing. The pianist may wish to add some sustaining pedal although its use is not indicated in the sheet music score. The accompaniment could also be played on the organ. The melody explores several rhythmic motifs often featuring tied notes. Much of the writing features off-beat rhythms related to the resolving of the dissonances in the inner parts. The influence of the Bach 4 part chorale harmonisation is paramount together with the chromatic harmony that can be readily identified in the music of J. Brahms. There are several arrangements available from the PlentyMusic website for both ensembles and solo instruments with piano accompaniment.

Title 24 | Variations on "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" arr. clarinet in Bb & bass clarinet | Royle S.

A familiar melody with 4 variations introducing clarinettists to many of the elements of  classical style

A very familiar melody used to introduce some of the elements of classical performance style in melody and accompaniment playing. This intermediate level arrangement for clarinet in Bb and bass clarinet explores classical compositional techniques in a two part texture and features an alberti style bass, the melody played in the bass clef and changes of time signature.Accompaniments featuring the bass clarinet are also in place.

|The Swan arr. clarinet in Bb & piano | Saint Saens C.

From the Carnival of the  Animals one of  most  instantly recognisable melodies ever composed

Camille Saint-Saens (1835-1921) was a French composer and this beautiful movement is from The Carnival of the Animals of 1886. The melody needs to be delivered with a legato tone and because of this and the melodic range it is an excellent piece for developing the tonal aspects of playing a musical instrument. Whilst the movement is particularly associated with the cello it is suited to being played by a number of different instruments and instrument combinations. The time signature indicates that there are 6 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the bar and these should be played as two groups of three. The harmonic language is very French in character sharing a subtlety that is also found in the music of his friend and pupil, the French composer Fauré. Pedalling in the piano part has not been indicated in the scores but does need to be used and generally this is governed by the harmonic rhythm of the movement. Like many French composers Saint-Saens was a very fine organist and music commentators suggest that his music is deserving of more attention because of its quality and variety. A clarinet in Bb part is appended to the full score. There are four accompaniments available without a click track for the introduction as this is not required because of the one bar piano introduction. They are at tempi of 75, 72, 69 and 72 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. Please advise the PlentyMusic Office if you require accompaniments with different tempi and these will be uploaded. This score was reviewed October 2025.

Ave Maria arr. clarinet in Bb & piano | Schubert F.

Another favourite from the romantic repertoire composed by one of the great melodists

Ave Maria is one of the most beautiful melodies from the romantic era composed by Schubert in 1825 This intermediatelevel arrangement from PlentyMusic is for clarinet in Bb and piano. This song was composed by Schubert in 1825 as part of a song cycle based on Walter Scott’s The Lady of the Lake. Most performances that are sung nowadays make use of the text of the Latin prayer “Ave Maria.” The work is identified as Schubert’s Opus 52 No.6 D.839. As an instrumental arrangement of Ave Maria the barring has been made appropriate for instrumentalists to read.  Whilst the melody and accompaniment does sound very on the ear and suggests that it is an easy piece of music to play there are several technical and musical challenges to be overcome before Schubert's Ave Maria can be played both competently and confidently. The playback tempo in the realisation is 36 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute (bpm) although the music editor suggests that it is probably best to learn the movement with an awareness of an eighth note or quaver pulse. The tempo marking in Schubert’s score is Sehr langsam which means very slow. Singers do frequently take a slower tempo than instrumentalists. The tempo indication in the PlentyMusic instrumental arrangements is Largo. Whilst use of the sustaining pedal is suggested the pedal markings are only indicated in the first bar and are then hidden in the video score. Accompaniments are available as mp3 downloads from the PlentyMusic website enabling clarinetists to enjoy an ensemble experience as part of their daily practice routine. They are available with and without repeats and play at 32, 36, and 40 quarter (crotchet) beats to the minute. They are recorded at 256kbps. The sheet music scores do have the repeats indicated so instrumentalists not playing the repeat will need to play the second ending in the score. One of the greatest challenges in music is playing a repeat simply because playing the same music again requires much greater concentration. If you play something through once logic suggests that it will be easier to play when repeated although this does not always prove to be the case. Young musicians need to be aware of this. Instrumentalists need to have a clear understanding and intention as to how the melody is to be played particularly from the rhythmic point of view. The cross rhythms, dotted notes, triplet figuration and ornaments all present challenges. The melody itself needs to be played in a legato or singing style. Players need to be always conscious and aware of the triplet figuration played in the accompaniment. The ornaments are indicated with symbols in the sheet music score but are written out in the video score which can be referenced on our YouTube channel. In bars 4 and 5 the third beat melody notes can be played as quarter notes (crotchets) and the challenges of playing the short essentially ornamental notes can be added later. If you have any feedback to give about the score or require an accompaniment with a different tempo please do contact PlentyMusic either by email or LiveChat.

Minuet and Trio in Eb  arr. clarinet in Bb & piano | Schubert F. 

A perfect gem from a composer who is identified  with  the romantic period in music history

The Minuet and Trio in E Flat by Franz Schubert is an excellent performance piece and this arrangement for clarinet in Bb and piano is at the intermediate level work. A cello part is appended to the full score that is available for download from PlentyMusic. Whilst described as a Minuet with two Trios only the second Trio has been used in this arrangement. Minuet and Trio are performed without the written repeats sounding in the realisation. A clarinet in Bb part appropriately transposed is appended to the full score which can be downloaded as pdf file from the PlentyMusic website. Three piano accompaniments playing at 112, 116 and 120 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute are also available enabling players to incorporate ensemble playing into their practice routines. In a performance the Minuet and Trio should be performed as follows. Minuet AABB | Trio AABB | Minuet AB. The playback tempo of the flute and piano realisation is 120 quarter note beats to the bar whilst both the Minuet and Trio are played at the same tempo. Legato playing is required in the playing of the Trio section. Many of the melodic ideas from the music from the classical and romantic era can be understood to be almost like conversations. The movement was originally a work for solo piano. The triplet figuration is a prominent feature in the melodic line which has a range of two octaves in essentially a two, three sometimes four-part texture. The small ornamental notes in bar 41 do not sound in the realisation and possibly are best not added until the movement can be played competently. This an excellent movement for developing the playing of a range of different articulations. Players should explore the dynamic element in their performances exploring contrasting dynamics. A movement with clarity of intention particularly in respect to its rhythmic detail. Regular 8 bar phrases feature predominantly. The pause marks indicated in the sheet music score are an aspect of the score detail that can be explored in a live performance. The compositional basis of much music from the classical era is concerned with the exploration of contrast. This is a feature that can be readily identified in the music of Schubert. There are many arrangements to be discovered on the PlentyMusic website featuring a range of instruments and ensembles.

Minuet and Trio in Eb  arr. clarinet quartet | Schubert F

A charming miniature very  suitable as an addition to the clarinet quartet  repertoire

The Minuet & Trio in E Flat by Franz Schubert is an excellent performance piece and this arrangement is for clarinet quartet comprising 3 clarinets in Bb and a bass clarinet. Whilst the work is described as a Minuet with two Trios only the second Trio has been used in this arrangement. Minuet and Trio are performed without the written repeats sounding in the realisation. Individual instrument parts are appended to the full score which can be downloaded as pdf file from the PlentyMusic website. In a performance the Minuet and Trio should be performed as follows. Minuet AABB | Trio AABB | Minuet AB. The playback tempo of the chamber music scores is 116 quarter note beats to the bar whilst both the Minuet and Trio are played at the same tempo. Legato playing is required in the playing of the Trio section. Many of the melodic ideas from the music from the classical and romantic era can be understood to be almost like conversations. The movement was originally a work for solo piano. The triplet figuration is a prominent feature in the melodic line which has a range of two octaves in essentially a two, three sometimes four-part texture. The small ornamental notes in bar 41 do not sound in the realisation and possibly are best not added until the movement can be played competently. This an excellent movement for developing the playing of a range of different articulations. Players should explore the dynamic element in their performances exploring contrasting dynamics. A movement with clarity of intention particularly in respect to its rhythmic detail. Regular 8 bar phrases feature predominantly. The pause marks indicated in the sheet music score are an aspect of the score detail that can be explored in a live performance. The compositional basis of much music from the classical era is concerned with the exploration of contrast. This is a feature that can be readily identified in the music of Schubert. There are many arrangements to be discovered on the PlentyMusic website featuring a range of instruments and ensembles. Should any changes, re-scoring or arrangements for another instrument grouping be needed please contact the PlentyMusic Office and the music editor will respond to the request. Individual clarinets parts are appended to the full score which is available as a pdf download from PlentyMusic.

Minuet and Trio in Ab arr. clarinet in Bb & piano | Schubert F.

A Schubert miniature which excellent for improving legato playing

Schubert’s Minuet D.334 is a hidden gem of the music repertoire that needs to played and become known by instrument players and audiences. The Minuet is performed without the written repeats sounding in the realisation. This is a quite enchanting movement demonstrating how much Franz Schubert related to chamber music playing. The arrangements keep close to Schubert’s original score although when necessary there are some octave transpositions to keep to a convenient range of the solo instrument. The falling melodic shape / motif at the end of the Minuet is a lovely challenge for performers to deliver with delicacy and musicality. Whilst originally a solo work for piano it is an excellent movement for developing an understanding of musical texture from the historical period around 1820. The music editor suggests a one to the bar feel in performance. A tempo of 56 dotted half notes (minim) beats to the bar is used in the realisation. One of the most challenging aspect of performing this Minuet is distinguishing the notes that are tied from the ones that are slurred. Players should be aiming for a legato in their playing and the avoidance of any exaggerated playing. The playing challenge is to communicate the simplicity of the movement as musically as possible. Composers are often in their “best to understand” mode in what many might consider are relatively easy pieces of music to play. Simplicity is often when they are at their clearest and this can be revealing in understanding and making sense of how to play more challenging works. This work was originally composed for piano with the suggested date for the composition being 1816 establishing it as the work of a teenager! Piano accompaniments with the score repeats played, are available, over a range of tempi and are available as mp3 downloads. No pedalling is indicated in the music score although its use is appropriate. The pedalling should not be too heavy and pedal points should relate to changes in the harmony. The tempo of the minuet and the trio section is the same in the realisation. This is not always the case in Minuet and Trio playing. A part for the clarinet in B flat is appended to the full score in the pdf download.

Minuet and Trio in Ab arr. clarinet quintet D.334 | Schubert F.

Another hidden treasure from one of the great melodists of music history

The clarinet quintet arrangement of the Minuet is available from PlentyMusic as a free score. The full score has appended parts and is available as a one file pdf download. Using the PlentyMusic android app the music could be printed from a smart phone. The clarinet quintet arrangement is scored for 4 clarinets in Bb and a bass clarinet. The Minuet and Trio is performed without the repeats in the Minuet sounding in the realisation. A quiet enchanting movement that demonstrates how much that Franz Schubert was a chamber musician. The falling melodic shape / motif at the end of the Minuet is a lovely challenge for performers to deliver musically and accurately. It is an excellent movement for developing an understanding of a musical texture in the romantic era. The music editor suggests a one to the bar feel in performance. A tempo of 56 dotted half notes (minim) beats to the bar is used in the realisation. Another challenging aspect of performing this Minuet is distinguishing the notes that are tied from the ones that are slurred. If you would like the movement to be scored for different instruments please advise the PlentyMusic Office and one of the team will explore the possibilities. PlentyMusic would be interested in hearing and seeing any performances of this movement either in mp3 or mp4 format.

 Warum willst du And’re fragen (Why do you question others) arr. clarinet in Bb & piano | Schumann C.

Robert Schumann's wife Clara was a also a great composer but sadly has had to wait more than 100 years after her death  before becoming recognised in her own right.

Clara Schumann’s “Warum willst du And’re fragen” (Why do you question others?) in an arrangement for clarinet in Bb & piano. Dating from 1841 this is a reflective and contemplative romantic instrumental arrangement. The realisation plays back at 74 quarter note crotchet beats per minute.  In the arrangement the piano generally doubles the melody which whilst reassuring for the instrumental soloist doesn't represent best practice in a musical sense. There should always be a focus on communicating beauty of sound and tone when playing Clara Schumann’s and music by her contemporaries. The voicing particularly in the piano accompaniment is always very considered with the harmonic writing demonstrating chromatic elements typically found in music of its composition date. Players who want to understand or even confirm phrasing options should simply sing the melody and identify places in the score where it is necessary to breathe. There are subtle tempo changes needed as the movement progresses with slowing downs required at the ends of phrases. Returning to a tempo particularly at the start of phrases is an important aspect of performing this music successfully. Use of the piano sustaining pedal is recommended in the accompaniment but is only indicated in the opening bars. The music editor suggests only light use so that the harmonic lines are not blurred or become muddy. Piano accompaniments are available playing at 72, 74 and 76 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. These provide an opportunity for instrumentalists to incorporate ensemble practice as part of regular home music practice routines.

There is quite obviously a strong connection and similarities between the composition approach of Robert and Clara Schumann's music. Clara in fact edited much of her husband's music for publishers in the 19th century and was an immense musical talent in her own right. The melody is quite reminiscent of the opening song from Robert Schumann's Dichterliebe song cycle. Additionally, this is one of the songs that Clara Schumann contributed to Robert Schumann’s 12 Gedichte Aus Liebesfruling Opus 37

Traümerie (Dreaming) arr. clarinet in Bb & piano | Schumann R.

A reflective slow movement from a composer who is the archetypal  romantic

Traümerie (Dreaming) was originally  a piano work from Robert Schumann's Scenes of Childhood Opus 16 published in 1838. It is a very familiar piece from the romantic repertoire suited to being played by many instruments as a solo accompanied either by the piano or various forms of ensemble. There are wide tempo variations in performances of the work and I would suggest listening to different solo instruments and piano recordings. The challenge in a performance is to combine  the beauty of the melody with a beauty of tone of the instrument which is being played with a sense of space and an understanding of the time elements that exist in music. Understandably because this is a piece of music from the romantic repetoire is a very emotional piece of music which can both be communicated well and also on occasions insensitively. It is excellent piece for broadening performing experience where players need to show sensitivity  to the acoustic and the the best performances of this work tend not to be rushed. Whatever instrument is being played the original piano score is worth a study of its own. Players need to linger particularly on the dotted quarter notes (crotchets) and pianists will need to make use of the sustaining pedal. The harmonic language is at times quite chromatic with diminished seventh chords featured.

Chanson Triste arr. clarinet quintet | Tchaikovsky P.I.

A song without words with a melancholy melody presented in an ensemble context

Tchaikovsky’s Chanson Triste arranged for clarinet quintet comprising 5 x Bb clarinets and bass clarinet. An Eb clarinet can be used to play the clarinet in Bb 1 part.

The clarinet quintet realisation plays back at 100 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute

This is a 5 part arrangement with the option of substituting a clarinet in Eb for the Clarinet in Bb 1 part. 

Individual parts for the clarinet players are appended to the full score in the pdf download.

Accompaniments are in place to provide opportunity for the clarinet in Eb or clarinet in Bb 1 player to practice in an ensemble context.  They playback at 96, 98,100, 102 & 104 quarter note or crotchet bpm.

In the arrangement there are a number of octave transpositions (upwards) in the bass clarinet part.  

For instrumentalists this is an excellent piece for improving intonation (aka playing in tune) in an ensemble context. 

The clarinet  is a great ensemble instrument whatever the playing level .

The music editor does feel sorry for the status of clarinet 4 because the number 4 doesn’t suggest the difficulty of the part in the arrangement as far as exploring the lower pitch range of the clarinet.

One of Tchaikovsky’s most popular pieces composed in 1878 for piano and arranged for clarinet quintet in the original key of G minor.  It is a ternary form ABA movement in a reflective melancholy mood. 

It has a regular phrase structure and the melodic line needs to be played with a singing legato. 

When performing the music be aware that tempo changes particularly at the end of phrases are appropriate. The music needs to be delivered with expression and a broad range of dynamics. 

Playing the A minor scale (sounding in G minor) in both the harmonic and melodic forms would be excellent preparation for playing this intermediate level work.

Valse Sentimentale arr. clarinet in Bb & piano | Tchaikovsky P.I.

Tchaikovsky again in excelling as a melodist with this wistful often melancholy waltz

An intermediate level arrangement for clarinet in Bb and piano of an encore shortened version of Tchaikovsky’s Valse Sentimentale Opus 51 No.6  In this cut down version an alternative ending is provided which simplifies Tchaikovsky’s original cadenza like coda. Formally this short version of the movement can be described as in ternary form ABA with a short coda as a closing section. Originally composed as a piano solo and dating from 1882 it is described as salon music intended in its time to be performed as drawing room music rather than in the concert hall. This is music ideally suited to being performed in intimate surrounds.

As a movement a waltz needs to have a one in the bar feel to it rather than three beats to the bar. The playback tempo is 40 dotted half notes (minims) to the bar. It is a movement that requires subtle changes of tempo in the tempo rubato sense. The waltz is a dance and as much of Tchaikovsky’s music is associated with ballet, the Valse Sentimental needs to played with an awareness of movement. The music needs to glide or ebb and flow. If played strictly in time the music becomes quite dull. A movement that is excellent for developing an understanding of performance practice in the romantic / late romantic tradition. A perfect movement to understand how to manage tempo in music in the playing sense and to understand how rubato should work and be used in a music performance.  The melody needs to be played legato. Players should be working to improve both the intonation and quality of tone in their playing. Piano accompaniments are available playing at 40, 42 44 and 46 beats per minute where the beat is a dotted half note or minim. In the cadenza like coda beginning at bar where the music has a more dramatic quality and is marked meno mosso it is more practicable to approach this section with a three in the bar feel to the music. Use of the sustaining pedal is recommended by the piano accompanist but not indicated in the sheet music score apart from the first couple of bars. The music editor’s preference and recommendation is for minimal use the pedal. The bracketed notes in the piano accompaniment are editorial and can be omitted. Tchaikovsky's exceptional gift as a composer apart from writing beautiful melodies and accompaniments is his ability to express a great range of moods from the happiest to the saddest moments probably better than anybody else.

Title 35 | Neapolitan Song arr. clarinet in Bb & piano | Tchaikovsky P.I.

This is an arrangement for clarinet in Bb with piano accompaniment of Tchaikovsky’s Neapolitan Dance also familiar as a theme from one of the dances in Act III of Swan Lake. The musical material is very similar to that found in Tchaikovsky’s Children’s Album although the music has been arranged in 4/4 time and has a repeat whilst the piano accompaniment includes of some of the orchestral music countermelodies from Swan Lake.  The tempo of the first section Allegro moderato in the realization is at 96 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minutes and for the Molto piu mosso section the tempo is 110 quarter note beats to the minutes.  Often performers choose a slower tempo for the slower section and a faster one for the faster section. In the repeat there is additional instruction to accelerate towards the end of the movement but the music editor advises against this until the piece is known thoroughly by the soloist and well rehearsed with the accompanist. The accompanist may wish to edit the playing of the introduction by omitting the left hand chords and playing the octave lead in with separate hands or even more simply by starting at bar 5.  A clarinet in Bb part part is appended to the full music score in the pdf download. Piano accompaniments are also in place playing at 92, 96, 100 & 104

October arr. clarinet in Bb & piano  | Tchaikovsky P.I.

A hauntingly beautiful arrangement of a slow tempo work from the composers "The Seasons"

October (Autumn Song) is a composition that dates from 1876 and is in ternary form (ABA) work being part of a collection of 12 pieces by the composer known as “The Seasons.” This piece requires sensitive but at the same quite controlled playing – exaggerated dynamics and articulations need to be avoided. Many older scores of this work are filled with articulation markings that possibly don’t have the same relevance with modern instruments. It is quiet melancholy composition of great beauty with some sharing of melodic material between the voices which makes it an excellent ensemble piece. Some performers particularly in the triplet passage work at the end of the sections interpret the ties rather liberally.  Understand that realisation whilst quite satisfactory does not demonstrate the range of tempo variation needed for a truly convincing performance. Rubato is very applicable when performing this music.  The pause mark is also not well represented in the recording as it really needs to be much longer whilst the small notes do not sound in the playback the realisation. The editor suggests listening to many of the excellent performances of this work. An appropriately transposed clarinet in Bb part is appended to the full score. Piano accompaniments are available at tempi of (1) 63 (2) 60 (3) 58 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. If an accompaniment is required with a click track in place for the cadenza section in bars 32 – 33 please advise the PlentyMusic office.