Lullaby by J. Brahms is a famous and familiar melody from the classical music repertoire. In this arrangement for clarinet quartet comprising 3 clarinets in Bb and bass clarinet sounding in Eb with the PlentyMusic realisation of the sheet music score playing back at 76 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. The free sheet music score available from PlentyMusic has individual parts appended to the full score. Clarinettists can view and hear the video sheet music score on our YouTube channel. 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 website. The function of these accompaniments is to provide an ensemble playing experience from clarinet in Bb players in a home studio situation. The lilting clarinet in Bb parts 2 and 3 are quite challenging to play and so an introductory 2 bar wood block intro can be heard on the accompaniment mp3. Should an additional parts be required for a clarinet in Eb please advise the PlentyMusic office. 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. 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 clarinet in Bb 1 player 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. 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 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 are keen and willing to both listen and publish work in this category.
