 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: DesireeGattis
Date: 2012-01-24 19:57
I'm looking for humorous (for the audience) unaccompanied pieces that would be suitable for my master's degree recital. I've seen a few in performances over the years, but I can't remember the names. Would anyone be willing to throw a few ideas out for me?
I've heard, and like, Rational Melodies/Bedtime Stories by Tom Johnson, but it doesn't seem terribly challenging. I know of "A Short Lecture on the Clarinet" but there was one (questionable) youtube video of it and I wasn't a big fan - it seemed kind of boring. I've also checked out Harlequin by Stockhausen and though challenging, the randomness doesn't appeal to me.
I would really like to do something that gives the audience a laugh. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Desiree Gattis
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Author: rmk54
Date: 2012-01-24 22:02
Jacob Druckman Animus 2 for clarinet and tape.
Soloist has to give a lecture about going over the break and than proceeds to have a nervous breakdown by the end of the piece.
Not easy and also requires real-time electronic manipulation of the live sounds.
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2012-01-24 22:29
That 11 yr old kid is great! Thats the age I was when I first got my clarinet and started taking group lessons!
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Author: bethmhil
Date: 2012-01-25 00:40
Blue Tongue by Barry Cockcroft: http://www.barrysax.com/compositions/blue-tongue/
A friend of mine played it for her spring recital a year ago... a wildly fun piece.
BMH
Illinois State University, BME and BM Performance
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Author: DAVE
Date: 2012-01-26 04:18
I heard a story once of a clarinetist who put on some of those huge comical sunglasses that had a musical staff drawn on them...maybe the lenses weren't dark... Anyway, his glasses had the staff. On stage in front of him was a popcorn popper. The clarinetist played whatever notes he saw. I guess you could do 3 movements-3 scoops of popcorn kernels. If you do this, you MUST post a video!
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Author: clariniano
Date: 2012-01-26 05:44
One that I used to have a copy of, but have since lost, is a piece for unaccompanied clarinet called Pets by Paul Harvey. I've been looking to replace my copy. At least three of the movements I could barely control the laughter. (for example, one of them has you doing what sounds like a dog yapping and another I think is supposed to imitate the vocal qualities of parrots)
Meri
Please check out my website at: http://donmillsmusicstudio.weebly.com and my blog at: http://clariniano.wordpress.com
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2012-01-26 09:26
>> Capriccio for solo clarinet by Heinrich Sutermeister can be performed humourously. <<
So can the funeral march...
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2012-01-26 14:29
Actually, I think the Sutermeister is quite witty. There are many chances to give a little wink at the way he turns a phrase. However, it's not laugh-out-loud funny.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Elifix
Date: 2012-01-26 23:10
clariniano
Do u know if there is any recording out there for this piece?
It seems quite interesting but I don't wish to jump into things and buy a copy of it.
Thanks
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Author: clariniano
Date: 2012-01-27 01:16
It's pretty inexpensive here ($12.95 US plus shipping on sheetmusicplus.com) and I found it in both the public library system here and the university music libraries, so maybe you might be able to find it at least in the university libraries.
Meri
Please check out my website at: http://donmillsmusicstudio.weebly.com and my blog at: http://clariniano.wordpress.com
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2012-01-27 12:56
>> Actually, I think the Sutermeister is quite witty. <<
If that was in reply to my post... I never meant that it wasn't.
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Author: DesireeGattis
Date: 2012-02-01 23:29
I've absolutely fallen in love with Blue Tongue I'm not sure if my professor will allow it, but at very least I'm going to perform this at my student's next recital!
As for the popcorn idea - that's ingenious! I will see if I can get the go-ahead from the hall manager on this one. If I do it, I'll definitely submit it to youtube. Anyone claimed rights on this idea? I don't want to get sued!
Thanks everyone for the terrific ideas! I heard Woodshedding (practice makes...) is also really fantastic but my recital is quickly approaching and I need something ...less intimidating, to put together.
anyone know where I can find recordings of the following?
-Odepundle VI by John Steinmetz
-Pets by Paul Harvey
Youtube, Naxos, and the classical music listening library have all failed me.
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2012-02-02 04:39
Since it appears you have access to the Naxos library, you might give a listen to Michael Dean's recording of Andy and Me (clarinet and tape) to see if that's something you could use. Dean performed it at Clarinetfest in Kansas City a couple of years ago. As I recall, it was at least mildly humorous. Andy is a dog whose "voice" appears on the tape. The sheet music and CD accompaniment for the work are available from the composer (Robert Fruehwald) at rfruehwald@semo.edu. Fruhwald also has an unaccompanied piece and another piece for clarinet and tape available for free download at:
www6.semo.edu/fruehwald/downloads.html
though I wouldn't classify either of the free pieces as humorous.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: Nessie1
Date: 2012-02-03 16:07
If you're prepared to consider something very short, what about the Homage to JSB from Gordon Jacob's Five Short Pieces? JSB is (if you haven't guessed) Johann Sebastian Bach and it catches the style to a T. You could do a couple of the other movements if you want something longer but they are not quite so humorous.
Good luck
Vanessa.
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Author: Sean.Perrin
Date: 2012-02-05 23:38
This is totally not what you should do (nor what you are really asking), but it might make you laugh.
If you've seen the dramatic chipmunk video, I did a "cover" on clarinet a few years ago as a joke.
Original (Dramatic chipmunk):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1Y73sPHKxw
Mine (dramatic clarinet):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTopmNdFTNc
From a more serious angle, there is a VERY cool piece by R Murray Schaffer for clarinet and [spoken] voice that is fantastic. I'll try and remember its name and get back... something about magic potion. Hilarious, but you need to be prepared to dress up!
Founder and host of the Clarineat Podcast: http://www.clarineat.com
Post Edited (2012-02-05 23:41)
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Author: DaveF
Date: 2012-02-06 04:46
"Woodshedding (practice makes....)" by William Holab, Edition Peters. Perhaps the most virtuosic piece written, but that's kind of the point, unplayble in many passages. Many stage cues, gestures, sounds, with building frustration. Quotes of familiar passages. Eb passages. Anger and frustration builds to the end, with spoken cue "Sh-t!", and ending with a prepared plastic clarinet that you smash over your knee.
Found this in the back of a music bin, but never heard it played. It does say it's written for and dedicated to Alan Kay, and that he premiered it in 1987. Should still be available.
Dave
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Author: Adrianna
Date: 2012-02-08 04:58
I believe the piece Sean is referring to is "Wizard Oil and Indian Sagwa" by R. Murray Schafer.
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