Debussy’s Arabesque No. 1 arranged for clarinet quartet, comprising 3 clarinets in Bb and bass clarinet sounding in the key of F. This is music comp Show More...
Debussy’s Arabesque No. 1 arranged for clarinet quartet, comprising 3 clarinets in Bb and bass clarinet sounding in the key of F. This is music composed whilst Debussy was still in his 20’s. The first Arabesque has a tempo marking Andantino con moto whist the realisation for clarinet quartet plays back at an initial 112 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. The music has been transposed from the original key of E to F. There are some of octave transpositions in the arrangement keeping the instrument parts within the range of the instrument. It is a three section work. Clarinet parts appropriately transposed are appended to the full music score. Tempo considerations have great relevance in the performance of this music. In terms of beauty of music lines this is a hard piece of music to beat which makes it an enthralling and challengeing ensemble piece possibly best performed with a conductor in place or by the clarinet in Bb 1 player who is a competent leader. Learning 3’s against 2’s as a cross rhythm (and 2’s against 3’s) are probably best learnt as clapping/tapping games in a group context. Much of the writing in this movement references triadic chords played as arpeggios. The intervals of the thirds and tenth (compound third) feature strongly in the parallel motion It is a three section work with the reflective middle section referencing the key of the sub-dominant. The triplet pattern is a strong feature of the movement. Instrumentalists new to playing cross rhythms need to practice playing triplet rhythms for a bar and then change it to eighth notes (quavers) so that they develop a clear sense of pulse in their playing. This a movement where the tempo often ebbs and flows in what is referred to as Tempo Rubato. This is an important aspect of performance practice and something that is first associated with the music of Chopin. Instrumentalists need to have a clear understanding of all the terms used in the score detail. 20th century music scores do generally have more graphics and terms in place to assist how the music is to be played and interpreted. A quite stunning and impressionable piece in all senses of the word with a strong sense of melody that lends itself to being arranged for an ensemble such as a clarinet quartet. Debussy composed his two Arabesques between 1888 and 1891 whilst still in his 20’s. They were originally composed for piano. They are movements that challenge the established pathways of his late romantic contemporaries. They are often described as early impressionist pieces although Debussy himself didn’t like references of his music using the term. Debussy has famously been described as the composer who opened the door to 20th century musical composition in the sense that his compositional approach was different to that of many of his contemporaries whose music was generally becoming increasingly dissonant. Debussy’s writing is more about exploring the beauty of sound without necessarily following the rules of harmonic writing that prevailed in the 19th century. Debussy created a new approach to composition in which beauty of sound and line were paramount exploring connections between the visual arts, nature and the environment around him His music is frequently described as being evocative in that he describes in music what he sees, hears and observes from his experiences of life. He is a composer of visual music. Debussy also lived at a time when the world as such was coming to Europe with exhibitions and as a composer he was open and influenced by the many cultures as his music suggests. Clarinet accompaniments are in place to encourage ensemble practice playing at 100-88 -100 quarter note (crotchets) beats per minute and also 104-092-104, 104-100-104, 108-100-108, 112-096-112 and 112-104-112 bpm with the tempo referring to the music as a three section work. If there clarinettists who would like additional accompaniments in place please advise the PlentyMusic office with tempo suggestions. Whilst there are tempo changes in these accompaniments rubato playing is not as such represented. Arabesque is a term that refers to artistic decoration and line which are terms relevant to music. The art in respect to Arab culture is also extremely relevant as the term suggests having both historical and modern contexts. Spend time looking at Arabesque graphics. There are related aspects to line and position in ballet music so as a description of a piece of music the term Arabesque has several references and meaning. Close
J. S. Bach’s Invention No. 2 BWV 773 arr. clarinet duo and sounding in the key of C minor offers excellent music practice and performance opportuni Show More...
J. S. Bach’s Invention No. 2 BWV 773 arr. clarinet duo and sounding in the key of C minor offers excellent music practice and performance opportunities. A melodic two part invention with ornaments in place that needs to be played with feeling and sensitivity. The full score appropriately transposed has appended individual clarinet parts. The realisation plays back at 52 bpm Pdf sheet music and play-a-long mp3 accompaniments are available to download. Playing the Bach Inventions as part of a duo encourages good intonation, that is, playing in tune, in duet playing. Legato playing is required when performing this invention in what is a slow tempo and melancholy movement. This is music that requires both method and determination in the way that it is approached. There are some octave transpositions in the clarinet part in the closing section to keep to the instrument’s range. Bach composed much music as a teacher with the performing and teaching context often relating to his own children. Four of his sons became important composers relevant in music history because they link the baroque era with the classical. The inventions offer excellent opportunities to instrumentalists to improve their ensemble playing skill set and develop an understanding of baroque compositional processes. The inventions are uncompromising in the demands they place on performers requiring accuracy technique and concentrated listening. In the sheet music score the ornaments are both indicated and sound in the realisation. The music editor has avoided placing ornaments in the two parts at the same time. Accompaniments are in place allowing clarinettists to participate in play-a-long ensemble activities as part of music practice routines. Clarinet 1 sounds on one side of the stereo channel and the clarinet 2 on the other. The accompaniment tracks play back at 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 & 60 quarter note (crotchet) beats per minute. There is a two bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. Accompaniments are available with and without ornaments in place. In the keyboard video score, which clarinettists may wish to refer to on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel ornaments have been written out as they sound in the realisation representing exactly what is being played. Understand that ornaments can be interpreted differently and that performance practice is both an evolving and often reviewed subject. How ornaments are played at cadences in particular is a fascinating subject in the baroque era. Improvised and often complex cadential phrases are an aspect of performance that feature in performances. The best advice is to listen to the performances and learn to discriminate as a performer between good practice and bad practice. The Bach Inventions are generally considered to be intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. Levels when they are played on different instruments may be different. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the key system established in Bach’s own time. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation & diminution and other processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as in most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent ensemble movements. Close
Invention 9 BWV 780 sounding in the key of F minor, with the score and parts transposed to the key of G minor, is a challenging invention to play part Show More...
Invention 9 BWV 780 sounding in the key of F minor, with the score and parts transposed to the key of G minor, is a challenging invention to play particularly from the note reading point of view. There are many accidentals to read and it is easy to make music reading errors. Listen to performances of the music so that the melodic and shapes are familiar. A legato playing approach is required in the playing in what is a slow tempo and melancholy movement. In the sheet music score the ornaments are indicated but do not sound. The realisation plays back at 58 quarter note or crotchet beats per minute. Accompaniments are in place allowing clarinet players to participate in ensemble activities as part of practice routines. The clarinet in Bb sounds on one side of the stereo channel and the bass clarinet in Bb 2 on the other. The accompaniment tracks play back at 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 & 64 quarter note (crotchet) beats per minute. There is a two bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. In the keyboard video score, which clarinettists may wish to refer to on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel ornaments have been written out as they sound in the realisation to represent exactly what is being played. The Bach Inventions are generally considered to be intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the key system. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation & diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. In addition, that he was not sadly. They are excellent pieces for ensemble playing. Close
Invention 9 BWV 780 in the key of F minor is a challenging invention to play particularly from the note reading and voice leading point of view. There Show More...
Invention 9 BWV 780 in the key of F minor is a challenging invention to play particularly from the note reading and voice leading point of view. There are many accidentals to read and it is, if you believe the music editor, so easy to make music reading errors. The octave range or more is not in place in this arrangement presenting quite challenging intonation (tuning) issues. That said an excellent test piece for those who have a good musical ear and need to clarify their understanding of the term voice leading / leading note in their playing. A legato playing approach is required in the playing in what is a slow tempo and melancholy movement. In the sheet music score the ornaments are indicated but do not sound. The realisation plays back at 58 quarter note or crotchet beats per minute. Accompaniments are in place allowing clarinet players to participate in ensemble activities as part of practice routines. The clarinet in Bb 1 sounds on one side of the stereo channel and the clarinet in Bb 2 on the other. The accompaniment tracks play back at 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 & 64 quarter note (crotchet) beats per minute. There is a two bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. In the keyboard video score, which clarinettists may wish to refer to on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel ornaments have been written out as they sound in the realisation to represent exactly what is being played. The Bach Inventions are generally considered to be intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the key system. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation & diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. In addition, that he was not sadly. They are excellent pieces for ensemble playing. Close
J .S. Bach’s Invention 11 BWV 782 arranged for clarinet in Bb duo is a work exploring the minor scale. The chromatic element in the movement is str Show More...
J .S. Bach’s Invention 11 BWV 782 arranged for clarinet in Bb duo is a work exploring the minor scale. The chromatic element in the movement is strong and the accidentals make this a challenging score to both read and remember. The best preparation for playing this movement is to play the minor scale appropriately transposed in both its forms slowly until the sound of each is familiar. The movements sounds in the original key of G minor whilst the sheet music parts are appropriately transposed. In this version ornaments do not sound in the realisation or playback score although they are indicated in the sheet music score. The movement is probably best learnt without the ornaments in place in the first instance. In the original piano version of the inventions the use of treble and bass clef ensures an interval distance of usually in excess of an octave. In this arrangement the music editor has maintained this where it is appropriate but when necessary the clarinet 2 part has some octave transpositions to keep to the range of the instrument. The playback score in the arrangement for the clarinet in Bb duo has a tempo of 60 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. The suggestion is that the movement can be played both at slower and faster tempo. The inventions are concentrated demanding movements to play in an ensemble context but excellent for encouraging listening skills, good intonation and accurate playing. Legato playing is needed in a performance although there is scope to broaden the detail of how the notes are articulated. Any exaggerated playing does need to be avoided. Accompaniments are in place allowing clarinet players to participate in ensemble activities as part of practice routines. Clarinet 1 sounds on one side of the stereo channel and Clarinet 2 on the other. Accompaniment tracks play back at 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66 and 68 quarter note (crotchet) beats per minute. Accompaniment backing tracks are recorded with a dry acoustic to encourage accuracy in playing. There is one bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. Instrumentalists should spend time listening to performances of the work by a range of musical instruments to understanding playing approaches. Players will possibly need to edit their scores with reminders about accidentals within the bar. The Bach Inventions are generally intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. Playing levels will perhaps need to be reviewed when different instrument combinations are involved. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part Inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique. When played in an ensemble context there is not much other music that can better prepare players for this type of music activity. Those learning how to use music notation software and improve their listening skills will find this an excellent study to copy simply because of the many accidentals that require attention from the listening and notation point of view. Accurate notation will suggest an excellent understanding of staff notation. Close
J.S. Bach’s Invention 14 BWV 785 arr. clarinet in Bb & bass clarinet sounding in the key of Bb is a rhythmical work and a movement in which figurati Show More...
J.S. Bach’s Invention 14 BWV 785 arr. clarinet in Bb & bass clarinet sounding in the key of Bb is a rhythmical work and a movement in which figuration is a substitute for ornamentation. Ornaments are omitted in this movement but make way for some exacting and rhythmic figuration. Players should have an understanding of the phrasing needed before playing. J.S. Bach’s music, is from the baroque era in music history and the convention is that there is minimal score detail in place in sheet music scores. The realisation plays back at 56 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. This said the movement is probably best played with an awareness of an eighth note or quaver pulse. Accompaniments are in place allowing clarinet in Bb and bass clarinet players to participate in ensemble activities as part of practice routines. The clarinet in Bb sounds on one side of the stereo channel and the bass clarinet on the other. The accompaniment tracks play back at 52, 54, 58, 60 and 62 quarter note (crotchet) beats per minute. Accompaniment backing tracks are recorded with a dry acoustic to encourage accuracy in playing. There is one bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. There are different approaches to playing this invention and instrumentalists should spend time listening to performances of the work by a range of musical instruments on streaming media. The Bach Inventions are generally intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst other processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique. Close
J.S. Bach’s Invention 14 BWV 785 arr. clarinet in Bb sounding in the key of Bb is a rhythmical work and a movement in which figuration is a substitu Show More...
J.S. Bach’s Invention 14 BWV 785 arr. clarinet in Bb sounding in the key of Bb is a rhythmical work and a movement in which figuration is a substitute for ornamentation. Ornaments are omitted in this movement but make way for some exacting and rhythmic figuration. Players should have an understanding of the phrasing needed before playing. J. S. Bach’s, is from the baroque era in music history and the convention is that there is minimal score detail in place in sheet music scores. The realisation plays back at 52 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. This said the movement is probably best played with an awareness of an eighth note or quaver pulse. Parts appropriately transposed are attached to the full score. In this arrangement the clarinet in Bb 2 part has been transposed up an octave so that the two clarinets are an octave closer than in the original version. Accompaniments are in place allowing clarinet in Bb players to participate in ensemble activities as part of practice routines. Clarinet in Bb 1 sounds on one side of the stereo channel and clarinet in Bb 2 sounds on the other. The accompaniment tracks play back at 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 59 and 61 quarter note (crotchet) beats per minute. Accompaniment backing tracks are recorded with a dry acoustic to encourage accuracy in playing. There is one bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. There are different approaches to playing this invention and instrumentalists should spend time listening to performances of the work by a range of musical instruments on streaming media. The Bach Inventions are generally intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst other processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique. Close
J.S.Bach’s Invention 8 BWV 779 arranged clarinet in Bb & bass clarinet. One of the most popular of the two part inventions with scale runs and chord Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention 8 BWV 779 arranged clarinet in Bb & bass clarinet. One of the most popular of the two part inventions with scale runs and chord shapes to master. The sheet music score available as a pdf download from the website has individual parts appended to the full score. Accompaniments are also in place to help players improve their technique and ensemble playing skills. The realisation plays back at 92 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. Many musicians play this invention faster and interestingly it is a movement usually played without ornaments. Clarinettists players need to choose a tempo at which the whole movement can be played consistently. It is a good test piece for players because this piece can very easily run away with itself requiring a tempo adjustment in the challenging sixteenth /semi-quaver sections. Music cannot be played quickly until it can be played slowly. Ornaments are not generally featured in this movement whilst the realisation plays back at 92 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. Accompaniments are in place allowing trumpet and trombone players to participate in ensemble activities as part of practice routines. The trumpet sounds on one side of the stereo channel and the trombone on the other. The accompaniment tracks play back at, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96 and 100 quarter note (crotchet) beats per minute. This reflects the fact that this particular invention can be played at many different tempi. Accompaniment backing tracks are recorded with a dry acoustic to encourage accuracy in playing. There is a four bar count in /click track for each of the accompaniment tracks. It is wise for players to listen to performances of this invention on streaming media to understand the different approaches that players have when performing this movement especially with regard to articulation. The Bach Inventions are generally considered to be intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. They are possibly more challenging works when played on other instruments. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the harmonic journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst other compositional processes and techniques are evident as in most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing ensemble playing in the duo format encouraging listening, accuracy in playing and good intonation. Close
J.S.Bach’s Invention 8 BWV 779 arranged for clarinet in Bb duo sounding in the key of F. One of the most popular of the two part inventions with sca Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention 8 BWV 779 arranged for clarinet in Bb duo sounding in the key of F. One of the most popular of the two part inventions with scale runs and chord shapes to master. An appropriately transposed sheet music score is available from the website. Accompaniments are also in place. An uplifting and appealing invention with many scale runs and chord shapes that make this an appropriate movement for clarinettists to play to improve technique. There are some octave transpositions in the lower part to keep to the range of the instruments. The realisation plays back at 104 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. Many musicians play this invention faster and interestingly it is a movement usually played without ornaments. Clarinet players need to choose a tempo at which the whole movement can be played consistently. It is a good test piece for players because this piece can very easily run away with itself requiring a tempo adjustment in the challenging sixteenth /semi-quaver sections. Remember that music cannot be played quickly until it can be played slowly. At times in the arrangement the contrapuntal lines are an octave closer together than in the piano version. Ornaments are not generally featured in this movement whilst the realisation plays back at 96 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. Accompaniments are in place allowing clarinettists to participate in ensemble activities as part of their practice routines. Clarinet in Bb 1 sounds on one side of the stereo channel and Clarinet in Bb on the other. The accompaniment tracks play back at 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, and for the brave 100 quarter note (crotchet) beats per minute. This reflects the fact that this particular invention can be played at many different tempi. Accompaniment backing tracks are recorded with a dry acoustic to encourage accuracy in playing. There is a four bar count in /click track for each of the accompaniment tracks. It is wise for players to listen to performances of this invention on streaming media to understand the different approaches that players have when performing this movement especially with regard to articulation. The Bach Inventions are generally considered to be intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the harmonic journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst other compositional processes and techniques are evident as in most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing ensemble playing in the duo format. Close
Invention 4 BWV 775 arranged for clarinet in Bb and bass clarinet sounding in the key of D minor is an appealing work featuring an opening motif or me Show More...
Invention 4 BWV 775 arranged for clarinet in Bb and bass clarinet sounding in the key of D minor is an appealing work featuring an opening motif or melodic shape that combines stepwise movement with the interval of a falling diminished seventh. The realisation plays back at 45 dotted quarter note or dotted crotchet beats to the minute. The time signature for this movement is 3/8 and the music editor suggests approaching playing the movement with a one in a bar feel or pulse rather than trying to count in eighth notes or quavers. The long trills bar 19 and bar 29 need to be played rhythmically and with control. There is some debate as to the notes to be played in the trill commencing in bar 29. The music editor suggests a written G natural (sounding F natural) but many alternate a G# (sounding F#) with the E. In the video score, which clarinet players may wish to refer to on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel ornaments have been written out as they sound in the realisation to represent exactly what is being played. Accompaniments are in place allowing clarinet players to participate in an ensemble activity as part of practice routines. The Clarinet in Bb sounds on one side of the stereo channel and the Bass Clarinet on the other. The accompaniment tracks play back at 39, 42, 45, 48, 51 and for the brave 54 quarter note (crotchet) beats per minute. Accompaniment backing tracks are recorded with a dry acoustic to encourage accuracy in playing. There is a four bar count in /click track for each of the accompaniment tracks. This is an invention where it is interesting to observe the different approaches to playing the movement particularly with regard to tempo and articulation. The Inventions are always worth revisiting and the collection should be understood to be one that benefits from this. Valuable time can be spent on streaming media listening to and perhaps watching different approaches that players have when performing this movement. Whilst there is considerable contrast to the tempo that the invention is played remember that movements cannot be played quickly until they be played slowly! The inventions offer excellent opportunities to improve ensemble playing in a duo context. Individual clarinet parts are also appended to the full scores available as a pdf download from the PlentyMusic website. The Bach Inventions are considered to be intermediate level movements. The key journey that features in this movement embraces the closley related keys of the relative major, sub-dominant and the V7 – VI progression bars 48 - 49 further adds to the harmonic journey. Imitation, inversion and sequence are all in evidence as compositional processes. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure playing technique and good intonation. Close
Invention 4 BWV 775 arranged for two clarinets in Bb sounding in the key of D minor is an appealing work featuring an opening motif or melodic shape t Show More...
Invention 4 BWV 775 arranged for two clarinets in Bb sounding in the key of D minor is an appealing work featuring an opening motif or melodic shape that combines stepwise movement with the interval of a falling diminished seventh. In this arrangement the contrapuntal lines are an octave closer than in the original piano version with both instruments notated in the treble clef. The realisation plays back at 48 dotted quarter note or dotted crotchet beats to the minute. The time signature for this movement is 3/8 and the music editor suggests approaching playing the movement with a one in a bar feel or pulse rather than trying to count in eighth notes or quavers. The long trills bar 19 and bar 29 need to be played rhythmically and with control. There is some debate as to the notes to be played in the trill commencing in bar 29. The music editor suggests a written G natural (sounding F natural) but many alternate a G# (sounding F#) with the E. In the video score, which clarinet players may wish to refer to on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel ornaments have been written out as they sound in the realisation to represent exactly what is being played. Accompaniments are in place allowing clarinet players to participate in an ensemble activity as part of practice routines. Clarinet 1 sounds on one side of the stereo channel and Clarinet 2 on the other. The accompaniment tracks play back at 39, 42, 45, 48, 51 and for the brave 54 quarter note (crotchet) beats per minute. Accompaniment backing tracks are recorded with a dry acoustic to encourage accuracy in playing. There is a four bar count in /click track for each of the accompaniment tracks. This is an invention where it is interesting to observe the different approaches to playing the movement particularly with regard to tempo and articulation. The Inventions are always worth revisiting and the collection should be understood to be one that benefits from this. Valuable time can be spent on streaming media listening to and perhaps watching different approaches that players have when performing this movement. Whilst there is considerable contrast to the tempo that the invention is played remember that movements cannot be played quickly until they be played slowly! The inventions offer excellent opportunities to improve ensemble playing in a duo context. Individual clarinet parts are also appended to the full scores available as a pdf download from the PlentyMusic website. The Bach Inventions are considered to be intermediate level movements. The key journey that features in this movement embraces the closley related keys of the relative major, sub-dominant and the V7 – VI progression bars 48 - 49 further adds to the harmonic journey. Imitation, inversion and sequence are all in evidence as compositional processes. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure playing technique. Close
Serenade by R. Hoffstetter is a movement from a popular classical string quartet. The arrangement for clarinet quartet marked Andante cantabile includ Show More...
Serenade by R. Hoffstetter is a movement from a popular classical string quartet. The arrangement for clarinet quartet marked Andante cantabile includes a clarinet in Eb, 2 clarinets in Bb and a bass clarinet in the arrangement and sounds in the key of B flat. 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 the accompaniments playing staccato or at least detached . 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. Close
Serenade by R. Hoffstetter is a movement from a popular classical string quartet. The arrangement for clarinet quartet marked Andante cantabile in thi Show More...
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. Close
Lullaby by J. Brahms is a famous and familiar melody from the classical music repertoire. In this arrangement for clarinet quartet comprising 3 clarin Show More...
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. Close
Bach J.S. Sinfonia 11 BWV 797 arranged for clarinet trio The Sinfonia arrangements from PlentyMusic are excellent movements to improve music practice Show More...
Bach J.S. Sinfonia 11 BWV 797 arranged for clarinet trio The Sinfonia arrangements from PlentyMusic are excellent movements to improve music practice routines. The Sinfonia 11 in the key of Gm is a melancholy and appealing movement with some attractive rhythmic and melodic figuration. Clarinet accompaniments playing at 30, 32, 34 and 36 dotted quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute are available as mp3 downloads from PlentyMusic giving the clarinet in Bb 1 player the opportunity of playing in an ensemble. In this arrangement clarinets in Bb 1 and 2 play voices 1 and 2 whilst the bass clarinet contributes with voice 3. The clarinet trio realisation plays back at 32 dotted quarter note beats or crotchet beats to the minute. Appropriately transposed instrument parts are appended to the full music score. The sinfonias are excellent movements to develop and improve ensemble playing. There is a considerable melodic range in the three voices with each having a range of close to two octaves. Playing such ranges encourages the development of good intonation (playing in tune) and will make players aware of the importance of quality of tone. Clarinettists should be aiming for a legato in their playing. This movement is a very good test of ensemble playing particularly because of the tied notes across the bar lines and the imaginative rhythmic and melodic figuration that features in the movement. To fully appreciate the rhythmic fluidity of the movement instrumentalists should experience playing the movement in an ensemble. This fluidity in the rhythmic shapes possibly part explains one of the reasons why Bach’s music is often adapted and played by jazz musicians Rehearsal marks are in place at bars 17, 33, 48 and 65 on the music score although the music editor suggests that in music of this style players will know immediately when they not quite together. While this music sounds emotional and encourages an emotional response to listeners it needs to be performed with an objective approach. Ornaments have been omitted in the preparing of this music score although those familiar with the performance practice of baroque music may choose to add ornaments particularly at cadences. A guiding principle is that the any ornaments introduced should be imitated in the other voices. The Sinfonias were originally composed for harpsichord the keyboard instrument of J.S. Bach’s time although they do provide excellent ensemble material for various instrument combinations. This transcription keeps to original voicings and key although pitch levels in baroque times were lower than in contemporary times. The Sinfonias would have been mainly played on the keyboard instruments of Bach’s time available in the home which may have included the clavichord and harpsichord. The organ which is also a keyboard instrument required the need for a person to operate the bellows and was essentially a church instrument The Sinfonias are works conceived for three voices and feature compositional processes associated with contrapuntal writing of the baroque era: repetition, inversion, imitation and sequence feature strongly in this particular sinfonia The 3 part Sinfonias and 2 part Inventions are excellent movement for developing listening skills in ensemble playing. Do make use of these and other resources available on the PlentyMusic website. Score detail is usually omitted in music from the baroque era although there is scope to introduce crescendos and diminuendos with the rise and falls of the music and rits. and ralls are sometimes appropriate at cadences. Do make sure that your instrument is in tune before playing with an accompaniment. PlentyMusic realisations and accompaniments are pitched at A = 440 hertz. Close
Bach J.S. Sinfonia 8 BWV 794 arranged for clarinet trio of 2 clarinets in Bb and bass clarinet. The Sinfonia arrangements from PlentyMusic are excelle Show More...
Bach J.S. Sinfonia 8 BWV 794 arranged for clarinet trio of 2 clarinets in Bb and bass clarinet. The Sinfonia arrangements from PlentyMusic are excellent movements to improve music practice routines. Download sheet music and accompaniments from PlentyMusic. The Sinfonia 8 in the key of F is a cheerful and appealing movement with some attractive figuration and a movement that can be played at a range of tempi. Clarinet parts appropriately transposed are appended to the full sheet music score. In this arrangement clarinet in B flat 1 plays the higher voice 1, the clarinet in Bb 2 plays the middle voice 2 and the bass clarinet voice 3. The trio realisation plays back at 76 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute Ornaments have been omitted in the music scores although those familiar with the performance practice of the baroque may choose to add ornaments particularly at cadences. A guiding principle is that the any ornaments introduced should be imitated in the voices The Sinfonias were originally composed for harpsichord the keyboard instrument of J.S. Bach’s time although they do provide excellent ensemble material for various instrument combinations. This transcription keeps to original voicings and key although pitch levels in baroque times were lower than in contemporary times. The Sinfonias are works conceived for three voices and feature compositional processes associated with contrapuntal writing of the baroque era: repetition, inversion, imitation, augmentation, diminution, sequence. For all musicians it is important to understand these terms in both in playing and listening contexts. Accompaniments playing at 72, 86, 80 and 84 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute and featuring the clarinet in Bb 2 and bass clarinet parts are available as mp3 downloads from PlentyMusic. The 3 part Sinfonias and 2 part Inventions are excellent movement for developing listening skills in ensemble playing. Do make use of these and other resources available on the PlentyMusic website. Score detail is usually omitted in music from the baroque era although there is scope to introduce crescendos and diminuendo’s with the rise and falls of the music and rits. and ralls are sometimes appropriate at cadences occurring in bars 7, 15 and 23. Close
F.J. Gossec’s Tambourin arranged for clarinet quintet. Improve music practice routines by downloading sheet music and piano accompaniments from Ple Show More...
F.J. Gossec’s Tambourin arranged for clarinet quintet. Improve music practice routines by downloading sheet music and piano accompaniments from PlentyMusic. A short but very appealing movement ideal as an encore for a well prepared clarinet group. The arrangement is scored for 3 clarinets in Bb and 2 bass clarinets. If there is an Eb clarinet available please advise the PlentyMusic Office and the music editor will update the score. The dance element is particular strong in French music and this is a dance inspired instrumental with a sectional structure has a strong repetitive element. The realisation plays back at 112 quarter note crotchet beats to the minute. The music editor has chosen not to indicate the tempo in the music score using an appropriate Italian term but players do need to play the movement at a brisk tempo. There is a modulation to the dominant key at bar 51 where some attention needs to be paid to playing the correct accidentals. A performance piece to challenge solo players to step up to advanced level standards although rhythmical and articulation aspects can be micro-managed in presenting the movement for performance to an audience There are some rhythmic options that can be explored in the clarinet in Bb 1 part in the section 51-57. The music editor suggests first playing the 7 bars as eighth note or quavers and then introducing rhythmic options and complexity of sixteenth notes, sixteenth note triplets and thirty second notes. (quavers, semi quavers and demisemiquavers!) Notes need to articulated clearly and particularly in the final section from bars 80 to 88 players may wish to play the sixteenth note semi quavers with a staccato touch. Individual parts for the 5 instruments are appended to the full score. Accompaniments / backing tracks are available playing at 112, 118, 124, 132 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute giving the clarinet in Bb 1 the opportunity to practice in context. Gossec was a French composer and pupil of Rameau although little known outside France. He composed symphonies, operas and is identified with the revival of instrumental music in France. A colleague of Cherubini he introduced and conducted the symphonies of Haydn in Paris. France has always enjoyed a strong reputation for the quality of its woodwind playing and woodwind teaching and not surprisingly many of its composers have explored this tradition in their creative. Close
J.S.Bach’s Sinfonias are excellent movements to improve music practice routines. An arrangement from PlentyMusic of J.S Bach’s Sinfonia 4 (BWV 79 Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Sinfonias are excellent movements to improve music practice routines. An arrangement from PlentyMusic of J.S Bach’s Sinfonia 4 (BWV 790) for clarinet trio. The arrangement is scored for two clarinets in Bb and bass clarinet. As there is a strong chromatic element in the writing careful attentions needs to be paid to the reading of the notes and particularly the note values in this melancholy movement. The clarinet trio realisation plays back at 42 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. This is an excellent ensemble piece for developing good intonation (playing in tune) in group music making. No ornaments are indicated in this arrangement. Those familiar with the performance practice of the baroque may choose to add ornaments particularly at cadences. This transcription keeps to original voicings and key although pitch levels in baroque times were lower than in contemporary times. The Sinfonias were originally composed for harpsichord the keyboard instrument of J.S. Bach’s time although they do provide excellent ensemble material for various instrument combinations. The Sinfonias are works conceived for three voices and feature compositional processes very much associated with contrapuntal writing of the baroque era namely: repetition, inversion, imitation, augmentation, diminution, sequence. For all musicians it is important to understand these terms in both a playing and listening context. Accompaniments that feature the clarinet 2 and bass clarinet parts are available playing at 40, 42, 44 and 46 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute are available as mp3 downloads. The 3 part Sinfonias and 2 part Inventions are excellent movement for developing listening skills in ensemble playing. Do make use of these and other resources available on the PlentyMusic website. Close
An intermediate level arrangement for clarinet quintet of a movement from a Mendelssohn organ sonata. Scored for 4 clarinets in Bb and a bass clarinet Show More...
An intermediate level arrangement for clarinet quintet of a movement from a Mendelssohn organ sonata. Scored for 4 clarinets in Bb and a bass clarinet, individual parts for instrumentalists are appended to the full score available as a pdf download from PlentyMusic. This is the second movement from the Organ Sonata Opus 65 No.3 transposed to sound in the key of Bb. It is essentially a chorale or hymn much in keeping with the chorale of J. S. Bach although Mendelssohn’s harmonic language is chromatic rather than diatonic. There is opportunity to slow down and pause at the ends of phrases although there is only one such marking in the sheet music score. There are some octave transpositions in the flute and oboe parts. Playing chorale arrangements like this are excellent for developing ensemble playing and good intonation. A generally quiet movement, clarinet players should be aiming for a legato in their playing. The realisation plays back at 72 quarter note beats to the minute. mp3 accompaniments are available playing at 72, 76 and 80 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute enabling clarinet in Bb 1 players to participate in ensemble activities as part of their practice routines. Should there be a requirement for a clarinet in Eb part to substitute for the Clarinet in Bb 1 part please advise the PlentyMusic office. Mendelssohn was an extremely popular composer in England. Described as a romantic composer he leans more to the classical line of the tradition along with composers Schubert (1797 – 1828) Chopin (1810 – 1849) and Brahms (1833- 1897) rather than the more radical represented by Berlioz (1803 – 1869), Liszt (1811 – 1886), and Wagner (1813-1883). Schumann (1810 - 1856) is the composer who interestingly links the two threads. Close
This arrangement for clarinet quartet of Rheinberger’s Cantilene from his Organ Sonata No.11 is scored for three clarinets in B flat and bass clarin Show More...
This arrangement for clarinet quartet of Rheinberger’s Cantilene from his Organ Sonata No.11 is scored for three clarinets in B flat and bass clarinet. Instrumental parts for individual instruments are appended to the full score. Accompaniments are also available allowing the clarinet 1 player to enjoy ensemble practice in context. There is a one bar eighth note (quaver) click track before the clarinets 2 and 3 and the bass clarinet start to sound. The accompaniments play back at 80, 84 and 88 eighth (quaver) notes 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. The movement is scored for three clarinets in B flat and bass clarinet. Instrumental parts for individual instruments are appended to the full score. Please advise the PlentyMusic office if you require an Eb clarinet included. 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 actually very untypical of music scores of the time. The realisation plays back at 84 eighth note beats to the minute. Clarinetists 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 decorative do not always sound in the realisations and are best omitted certainly when learning the piece. 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 needs 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 parts all need to be played with rhythmic accuracy and security.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. Close
This intermediate level arrangement from PlentyMusic of the second movement Siciliana from the String Trio Opus 17 No. 1 by Felice Giardini is scored Show More...
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. Close
Spanish Dance No. 5 by E. Granados from PlentyMusic arranged for clarinet quartet comprising 3 clarinets in B flat and bass clarinet. Individual parts Show More...
Spanish Dance No. 5 by E. Granados from PlentyMusic arranged for clarinet quartet comprising 3 clarinets in B flat and bass clarinet. Individual parts are appended to the full score in the pdf download. This popular and appealing intermediate level movement dates from 1890 and its use of the phyrgian 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 47|94|47 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 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. Close
Handel’s Lascia ch’io pianga (Let me cry) from the opera Rinaldo in an improver level instrumental arrangement for clarinet quartet comprising 3 c Show More...
Handel’s Lascia ch’io pianga (Let me cry) from the opera Rinaldo in an improver level instrumental arrangement for clarinet quartet comprising 3 clarinets in B flat and a bass clarinet. Instrument parts are attached to the full score which is available from PlentyMusic as a pdf download. If circumstances arise then there the music could be performed by a ensemble with each part played by more than one instrument. The aria or song is taken from the opera Rinaldo which first appeared in 1711 and was subsequently revised in 1733. It is in ABA form and based on the sarabande rhythm which has the stress on the second beat of the three beats in a bar. When sung the Da Capo section would be an opportunity for the soloist to improvise and ornament the melody and this is an option available for the top line players in this instrumental arrangement. The music editor suggests that it appropriate to keep to the style of the period in the first instance but it is also a piece in which the stylistic element can be explored. Those who enjoy improvising can always record their work can send it as an mp3 to the PlentyMusic office for feedback. The score has been notated in 3|2 time keeping to the conventions of the original notation but could quite readily be notated in 3|4 time. The trill in bar has been written out in the video score which is available to view on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel. This is music that is very appropriate music for a solemn processional in a social context context. It is usual to present baroque scores with minimal score detail although in this score there is some indication of appropriate dynamics. The arrangement is in the original key of F major although the tempo for the quartet is more Larghetto than Largo which was the tempo indication in the opera. The music in the video score plays back at a tempo of 66 half note or minim beats to the minute. The music editor observes that instrumental arrangements of a vocal piece are invariably played at a faster tempo. This is an opportunity for an improver level musician to be playing what is a great piece of music. It is what the music editor identifies as being a potential “stepping stone” for many instrument players. There is an interesting story as to the origins of the sarabande rhythm for those who enjoy researching the history of forms and rhythmic patterns particularly those associated with dances. Close
Invitación by I. Cervantes is a short attractive work. This intermediate level arrangement from PlentyMusic for clarinet quartet is in the key of Am Show More...
Invitación by I. Cervantes is a short attractive work. This intermediate level arrangement from PlentyMusic for clarinet quartet is in the key of Am and features the Cuban habanera pattern. The arrangement is scored for 3 clarinets in Bb and bass clarinet whilst Individual parts for players are appended to the full music score in the pdf download. It is an excellent piece for ensemble players to help their tuning and intonation by listening to both their own playing and the playing of others. The chromatic notes and modal shifts also make it challenging to play absolutely in tune. The music editor suggests that it is the ideal competition or test piece. The rhythmic patterns need to be secure and possibly learnt by clapping and tapping drills particularly in the context of an ensemble performance. There is surprising intensity in the music of Cervantes created by the tonal/modal ambivalence and by the many accidentals in the strong contrapuntal lines. Where appropriate some octave transpositions have been made in the lines to keep to the best and most appropriate range of the instruments. Most of Cervantes movements are very short and benefit from being played through twice. The music editor has not actually made use of repeat signs in the music scores. The tempo of the score is marked Moderato with the movement able to be played at a range of tempi from around 64 to 76 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. In this arrangement the realisation plays back at 64 quarter note beats to the minute. The performance practice of the music of Cervantes varies particularly regarding tempo and the use of rubato (speeding up and slowing down) and does not benefit from the same tradition of playing as movements by more mainstream composers. The advice is simply to listen and learn from the recordings that are available. Whilst there is the scope for more flexibility in performance than demonstrated by the realisations the music editor suggests the avoidance of any exaggerated playing. Ignacio Cervantes was born in Havana, Cuba and composed many short pieces for the piano most of which are imbued with the rhythms and colour of his homeland. The habanera rhythmic pattern features strongly in his music. Should some re-scoring be required please advise the PlentyMusic Office. Please do let us hear and share your live performances which can be forwarded as mp3 and mp4 files to the PlentyMusic Office. Just advise us by email that you have a recording to share. Close
Los Tres Golpes (The Three Knocks) by the Cuban composer Ignacio Cervantes is a movement that explores the habanera pattern. The clarinet quartet arra Show More...
Los Tres Golpes (The Three Knocks) by the Cuban composer Ignacio Cervantes is a movement that explores the habanera pattern. The clarinet quartet arrangement enables #clarinettists to explore and develop tone, articulation and dynamics in their playing. The arrangement is scored for 3 clarinets in Bb and bass clarinet.The realisation for Los Tres Golpes (The Three Knocks) is presented with a repeat played which is common when Cervantes music is performed. The playback tempo is 84 bpm. The sheet music scores has a repeat in place although this is an editorial addition. The music has been transposed from the original key of E minor to G minor. The movement can be played at a variety of tempo although the music editor suggests that it is easier to decide when the movement is being played too slowly rather than too quickly! The choice of tempo is dependent on the instrument combination, the performance context and the acoustic of the recording or performance venue. There is scope to explore tempo rubato in a performance. These miniatures provide excellent playing material for players because they provide so many of the musical elements that feature in Cuban music. whether in art music, folk or a popular music context. Cervantes was a composer and musician who assimilated the music elements of his home country in all his work. As he studied music formally in Cuba and in Europe his music is generally presented in a way that lends itself to being arranged in the traditions of the Western music tradition. The contrapuntal element in his music is very strong and whereas formally Cervantes always has clear melodic and harmonic direction musical ideas are presented in a sectional context which are generally repeated. The suggestion is of a very quick and inventive mind particularly regarding his use of the habanera pattern. The melodic line in its original form for piano has a broad range (more than 3 octaves) and for many of the arrangements it is necessary to utilise octave transpositions to enable the most appropriate range of the featured solo instrument to be explored. For those interested in the voicing of the composer’s original score download the piano version which is available as a free score. The original PlentyMusic context for this movement was in the Ragtime and Relations Area of Study in which the focus was exploring syncopated rhythms including the habanera pattern. In 2021, the scores have been reviewed and a number of additional arrangements have been added to the PlentyMusic website. Do feedback to PlentyMusic comments about the scores and particularly the octave transpositions that could possibly be re-considered in the light of performances. Close
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 Show More...
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. Close
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 Show More...
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. Close
An arrangement for four clarinets in Bb and bass clarinet – 5 parts in total of this improver level ternary form (ABA) work from Tchaikovsky’s 1 Show More...
An arrangement for four clarinets in Bb and bass clarinet – 5 parts in total of this improver level ternary form (ABA) work from Tchaikovsky’s 1878 Album for the Young, Opus 39. It is a melodic movement with a regular phrase structure which is not surprising for a composer known for his ballet music. There are editions where accent markings are placed very generously in the music scores although the music editor suggests that modern instruments with their stronger tone quality do not require such score markings. This is an excellent piece for developing legato playing and tone quality in the melody playing. The realisation plays back at a tempo of 84 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. The score and parts can be downloaded as a one document pdf file from the website. Close
This is an excellent piece for developing legato playing and instrument tone and this arrangement is for clarinets divided into parts I, II and III ( Show More...
This is an excellent piece for developing legato playing and instrument tone and this arrangement is for clarinets divided into parts I, II and III (ideally two instruments or more on each line) and bass clarinet. It is also a good test piece because a successful performance requires an awareness of the modal influence that exists in the lines of the music evident in the conflicting accidentals that feature in the score. For a clarinet group to play this piece perfectly in tune is quite a challenge because it requires the participants to be aware of each other’s part and rôle. The time signature is also a bit unusual but think of it as three groups of 3 whilst the tempo of the realization is played at 132 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. Rhythmically there are one or two moments that need attention particularly in the inner parts and the voice leading is at times quite challenging to follow. Individual clarinet parts are appended to the full music score. Peter Warlock’s career was sadly a short lived one but he did make some important contributions to the repertoire including the Capriol Suite from which this particular movement is taken. He was very interested in folk and Elizabethan music and used the name Warlock as a pseudonym for his composition work. He was a close friend of Delius and also worked as a music journalist using his real name which was Philip Heseltine. Warlock’s particular interest in music was in discovering and exploring the modal quality of English music through its folk song and its Elizabethan vocal music. The Capriol Suite captures what could be described as a neo-Elizabethan idiom and spirit quite perfectly and it is well worth listening to the whole work played in its orchestral arrangement. Warlock’s was in many ways an unfulfilled life but it is evident in both his instrumental and vocal music that he had a quite exceptional musical ear and a true understanding of English music. Close
In this arrangement for clarinet quartet the specified instruments are three clarinets in Bb and a bass clarinet. The score is formatted as a one docu Show More...
In this arrangement for clarinet quartet the specified instruments are three clarinets in Bb and a bass clarinet. The score is formatted as a one document pdf file with individual parts appropriately transposed for the four clarinets appended to the full score. Ignacio Cervantes was a Cuban composer born in the capital city of Havana in 1847. He had piano lessons with Louis Moreau Gottschalk before travelling to Paris to further his music studies with Charles Valentin Alkan amongst others. This piece originates as a piano solo in the key of Eb whilst this realisation sounds in the key of D it plays at a tempo of 84 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. Many performers play through the piece twice although no repeat signs are indicated in the score. Much of Cervantes piano music is well suited to being played by a variety of instrument combinations as they are well crafted and have great musical appeal. The habanera rhythmic shape also features strongly. Close
