Klarinet Archive - Posting 000363.txt from 1995/11

From: Martin Pergler <pergler@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Cello clarinet duets
Date: Mon, 20 Nov 1995 12:15:46 -0500

On Mon, 20 Nov 1995, B HUDSON wrote:

> What, no easy cello/clarinet duets? I posted the following message last
> Friday, but I concluded the our most authoritative contributors must have
> been traveling or shopping for T-day so I thought I would give it another
> try-- thanks in advance.
>
Certainly not authoritative, but here is some sort of response: there just
isn't too much music for this combination. I can think of
the Beethoven Duos for Cl and Bsn, WoO 27 (I think), which might
fit the bill. These duos are, in my opinion, not technically difficult
though to make them sound *well* takes considerable musicianship.
There is the duet for cl and vc by Rick Sowash, a list member, which is
available on the internet from Mr. Seely (sorry first name escapes me
right now). Unfortunately, I have not been able to get these to print
on my Finale-equipped PC.

Apart from this, the only other cl and vc duet that comes to my mind right
now is Private Game by Shulamit Ran, a composition prof here at the U of C.
I have not played his, but from hearing it it seems quite difficult
technically and musically (as well as possibly for the audience, though it
is IMO worthwhile).

For playing around, I would consider baroque sonatas for treble instrument
(flute, recorder, violin...) and basso continuo, the basso part to be
played on vc. This will require transposing C parts to clarinet, but this
is excellent practice and, again IMO, it is never too early to start.
The historically-informed crowd would have us playing these on a Denner
model clarinet (or chalumeau) with a baroque-bowed cello and harpsichord
at A415, but in the privacy of our own homes I'm sure we can play it
through in this manner. Classical and later vn/vc duets might also be an
option.

Hope his helps. I also hope someone comes up with a better answer...I'd
certainly be interested in knowing more works for this combo.

Martin

-------------------------------------------------------
Martin Pergler pergler@-----.edu
Grad student, Mathematics http://www.math.uchicago.edu/~pergler
Univ. of Chicago