 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: thechosenone
Date: 2003-08-18 03:55
Hello all, I'm relatively new to this board, but I'm impressed by the number of experienced players here and their wonderful insights to all the topics being posted.
Anyhow, moving on to my real topic. I'm planning on trying out for concerto competitions for local orchestras this year. I need a real nice piece that the judges will like, and one which will be appealing to a youth audience. Unfortunately, clarinets don't really have an extensive repertoire such as pianos or violins, so there's not much to choose from. We don't have a Ziegeunerweisen (sp?) either or Carmen Fantasy, or Rach 3 for that matter, which is something which I need.
I'm going to be a sophomore in high school next year, but don't let that deter you or sneer at me. Not to brag about my skill level, but more to give you an idea of my playing abilities, I have done:
The Rose Studies, 32 etudes and 40 etudes
Mozart Clarinet Concerto (4 times)
Weber Clarinet Concerto No. 1 (2 times)
Weber Clarinet Concerto No. 2 (3rd mvt. 2 times)
Weber Concertino
Weber Grand Duo Concertante (performed last mvt w/piano)
Saint Saens Sonata
Copland Concerto
Neilsen Concerto (yeah!)
Brahms Sonata 1+2
Neilsen Quintet
So, I need a real flashy piece that I can fit within 8 or 9 minutes that would be very impressive. Weber 2 mvt 3 seems like the preferred choice here but I'd love to hear other suggestions.
Also, in other concerto competitions that allow longer pieces (18 mins), the Copland Concerto seems the popular choice. Comments?? I'm lost!!
Not that it will matter too much, but my setup is an R-13 Buffet, M15 mouthpiece, Bonade inverted ligature, vandoren traditional 3.5 reeds.
Thanks!! Feekback greatly appreciated
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-08-18 06:50
I've only heard about half of the above, but I do like the concertino very much. And I also like the third movement of Weber's 2nd concerto. Or the first movement of mozart.
alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Brandon
Date: 2003-08-18 07:11
If you need some flash, try the Debussy Premire Rhapsody. It is slightly less than 10 minutes I believe. Another piece for a longer work would be Crusell's Clarinet Concerti. Three is my favorite. Copland is good, but if you have already played it, try the Crusells. If you don't want to work that hard(Crusell is tough), perhaps one of the Stamitz Concerti would be easy to work up.
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Author: Gretchen
Date: 2003-08-18 13:48
I'd say the flashiest piece on your list would be probably nielson. The two weber concertos are also really great for showing off virtuosity. Although they are all "flashy" in their own ways...it just depends on what you can get out of them.
I think you should play your favorite piece on the list...cause then you'll show the audience you're having a great time and that you really like the piece. You'll automatically play it "flashier" and will be more comfortable playing.
Good luck in your choice!
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Author: Jerry McD.
Date: 2003-08-18 14:13
I would suggest you consider what the competition is you are entering. If the competition is for a local arts organization and the winner gets to play with the local community orchestra, that will limit your choices (I think it would be a big stretch for any community orchestra to play the Copland). Also, stay away from sonatas, make sure it is a concerto. I know this isn't very specific, but I hope this helps.
I think the Weber Concertino is a great piece for the shorter lengths because you can play the entire thing and it has all of the elements like musicality, technique, and it is pleasing for the audience to listen too.
Jerry McD.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-08-18 14:43
Gretchen stated:
> I'd say the flashiest piece on your list would be probably nielson ..
At approximately 25 minutes, the Nielsen Concerto far exceeds the time requirements (and probably the ensemble's capabilities) ...GBK
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Author: theclarinetist
Date: 2003-08-18 16:29
You must be very good to have played all of those pieces. I can easily play all the notes of the Nielsen, but I'm not up for conquering it from an interpretative standpoint at the moment (probably because I'm just lazy). I would stick to something more straightforward (depending on the contest, more traditional pieces seem to work better. Plus the orchestra's abilities are a factor as others have said).
You might enjoy a Spohr Concerto. They are very flashy and similar in difficulty to a Weber.
If orchestra is very good, and you have the desire to beat yourself up a little, you might try a movement of the Francaix Concerto. The 3 movement would stand alone really nicely. Also, the 1st or 4th movement would work well. I think playing a slower piece might be nice. The 3rd movement is very difficult, but would definitely stand out as different from being "just another showoff piece" (which is how it can seem after hear weber after weber....)
Anyway, Good luck.
Don Hite - theclarinetist@yahoo.com
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Author: Richard
Date: 2003-08-18 17:14
If you'd like some 'flash', Artie Shaw's Concerto for Clarinet runs about 9-1/2 minutes.
Post Edited (2003-08-18 17:15)
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2003-08-18 17:26
Joseph Brenner, Jr. wrote:
> You might consider the Poulenc sonata, especially movements 1
> or 3.
While the Poulenc is delightful, playing a sonata for a concerto competition would almost certainly be looked at askance by the judges. A careful check of the rules would be in order.
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Author: Shawn
Date: 2003-08-18 17:53
For flash I would play Weiner's Peregi Verbunk, Rossini's theme and variations, Bassi's Fantasia Da Concerto (theme and var. on Rigoletto), or if you would like to stick with what you know play either of the 3rd movements of the Weber concertos. All of these pieces have RELATIVELY easy orchestral parts.
Good luck
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Author: Ed
Date: 2003-08-19 01:09
If you want flash and something people can relate to, I agree that the Rossini is a good choice.
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Author: Tim2
Date: 2003-08-19 02:18
Sounds like you've done quite a bit already. Like theclarinetist says about the Francaix, It's a tough one but if you want a challenge, that would do it. Interesting harmonies, great fun to imagine oneself actually being able to play this. It's not just difficult.
One of the Spohr clarinet concertos might be a good choice if ou want to stick with something from the first part of the 1800's. These have good "acrobatics" if that is what you are looking for. Try the second concerto, even the slow movement will make people take notice.
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