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Bass Clarinet Solos

Author: tkillian
Date: 2010-05-22 12:45

Could a bass clarinetist here help me rate these according to difficulty. The context is a high school all state audition played by a junior in high school.
These are the New York State All State Audition Choices for Bass Clarinet (Level 6 in New York is the hardest level)

4= too hard/mature, college level, shouldnt be approached by high school student
3= most difficult, attainable by a very mature player
2= very appropriate and playable
1= wow, THIS is on the all state list??....it should be a level 5!

Bach, J.S./Caravan, R. - BACH FOR THE CLARINET (2,13,23 - ALL) or (10,30,39 - ALL) or just #11

Chopin, F./Davis, S. - ETUDE, OP 25, NO 7

Dykstra, B. - TWO RAGS FOR BASS CLARINET (both)

Fasch, J. - SONATA FOR BASS CLARINET (Mtvs. 1&4)

Galliard, J./Kreiselman, J. - SIX SONATAS FOR BASS CLARINET, VOL1, NO 3

Galliard, J./Kreiselman, J. - SIX SONATAS FOR BASS CLARINET, VOL2, NO 4

Nixon, R. - VARIATIONS FOR BASS CLARINET

Osbourne, W - RHAPSODY FOR CLARINET

Pillin, B. - SCHERZO BARBARO

Rarig, J. - INTRODUCTION AND MARCH

Rozsa, M. - SONATA, OP 41 (Mtvs. 1&2)

Schubert, F/Davis, S - ALLEGRO MODERATO (areggione Sonata)

Wasson, S. - TWO PIECES FOR UNACCOMPIANED BASS CLARINET

Weber, C von - CONCERTINO (all)

Thanks folks!

Post Edited (2010-05-22 12:46)

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Re: Bass Clarinet Solos

Author: GBK
Date: 2010-05-22 16:11

I am a NYSSMA judge.

FYI - The Osborne Rhapsody is on the Bb clarinet list as a Level 5 solo.

On your list of the listed Level 6 bass clarinet solos you omitted the Paul Dahm transcription of the Mozart K.191 Concerto - 1st movement

...GBK

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Re: Bass Clarinet Solos

Author: tkillian
Date: 2010-05-22 18:58

Thanks.
I omitted the Mozart because my student already played it this year.

So I would be interested in your take on all those solos....ESPECIALLY as a NYSSMA judge

Thanks for the tip on the Osborne. I will check that one out.
Thanks

Post Edited (2010-05-22 19:04)

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Re: Bass Clarinet Solos

Author: GBK
Date: 2010-05-22 20:33

Although five of the solos on the list are unaccompanied and present a challenge to play well, a good secure pianist can add greatly to a Level 6 performance.

If your student has a good jazz sense and enjoys trying something different, the Dykstra Two Rags (originally for bassoon) have elements of a Scott Joplin style as well as later jazz. They are fun to play and are easy to put together with a pianist.

...GBK

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Re: Bass Clarinet Solos

Author: tkillian
Date: 2010-05-24 23:45

Thanks!

So a judge would look favorably on those even though they are rags?

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Re: Bass Clarinet Solos

Author: GBK
Date: 2010-05-25 00:02

ANY solo performance which demonstrates:

1. a full understanding of the stylistic elements
2. technical facility and control
3. thoughtful interpretation of the music

will always score high with the judges.

...GBK

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Re: Bass Clarinet Solos

Author: tkillian
Date: 2010-05-25 23:08

Thanks, although I think that is obvious.

What I meant was, in my 21 years of teaching and knowing many NYSSMA judges, I can safely say there are a number of selections that get the following comment

"That piece should NOT be in the manual, its way too hard and mature for a high school kid to be playing"

It works the other way as well. Some selections are "easy" level 6 and in a jazz vein and certain judges frown on them because they think the kid should be playing a trascription or a modern 20th century piece.

I believe that 100% in my area of expertise as well.

I will check out those rags! Thanks

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