Hello

Me and my friend want to play some clarinet duets but haven't a clue what any good ones are! We don't like studies and we're aiming for about grade 6-8. Any ideas?

Thanks

It'd be best to go to a music shop and browse really, but a few suggestions to get you started are the Three Progressive Clarinet Duets by Crusell (each published separately in the Hinrichsen edition), Six Duos Concertans by Lefevre (Emerson edition) and the Sonata in Bb K292 for 2 clarinets or clarinet and bassoon by Mozart (also Emerson edition)

the 'suite for two clarinets' by alan frank is good.

Josek Kuffner duets are good - very melodious.
The Krommer Concerto for two clarinets is a great work too.

Following on from this - any suggestions for flute/clarinet duets - I guess grade 6ish +. Or do I look for flute duets & transpose 1 part for clarinet? Or alternatively clarinet duets & transpose 1 part for flute (probably more chance of it being out of flute range?, if originally for clarinet).

Stamitz Double Concerto or Poulenc Sonata for 2 clarinets

Not sure that it's still in print , but one of my favourite clarinet duets is 'Views of the Blues' by Gordon Lewin (Boosey & Hawkes). It isn't particularly easy in places, but it is great fun to play!

How about the Himie Voxman collections? The first book me and a friend sight-read through a bunch - tuneful and fun. Haven't had a go with the second book yet but I suspect that would be more at the doing a bit of work level/being interesting, but the first selection had some nice ones, which bodes well!

Also, have a look on www.justflutes.com, they've got masses of chamber music. I know it's harder if you don't have actual recommendations, but some of them may tell you if they are editor's choices (in which case there will be a blurb about them somewhere) or good value/recommended.

Alternatively, with simpler music it's very good practice for one or other of you to transpose at sight

I have a transcription of the Paganini Caprice No.24 for flute and clarinet which I did myself (both parts are pretty demanding! a clarinet in A would be useful also)

You should post some of your arrangements, Chris.

It's a shame that the composition thread died a death, I'd revive it but I haven't written anything for ages.

Most are probably too hard

Maybe for some, but there's a shedload of grade 8 - dip - beyond people on this board, I'm sure some people would be very capable. Though now we have a composition thread I would suggest that's a better venue.

Thanks for the ideas. The music shop in Hull is rubbish and doesn't really have anything beyond easy stuff.

And I refuse to play Poulenc!

i knew you'd moan at poulenc, it could be good you never know.

The 2nd movement of the double clarinet sonata is REALLY easy, however you do need a clarinet in A and a clarinet in B flat

Yeah but you know I hate it! Even if it is easy!

Although I heard some good Poulenc at a concert a few weeks ago. Oboe and Bassoon trio? or something, can't remember!

Trio for Bassoon Oboe and Piano actually:)

Whatever, it was good- I liked it!

Clarinet sonata is awful, as is the flute! (but I know you like it, so I'll stop)

Poor Poulenc! He probably spent a lot of time composing those pieces, only for you to describe them as awful! They may not be to your taste (they're not really to my taste, but I prefer the flute sonata to the clarinet sonata), but they're not awful!

I've now put my tin hat on, and I'm waiting for the flak that's about to come my way!!!!

Barry (clari)

lol yeah too right they're not to my taste! I haven't heard all of his works, but the few I have (except the oboe, basson and piano trio) I didn't like! So i shouldn't make a general statement, but I still don't really like his style

Why not post one or two of your arrangements? One thing I do like is a challenge!

Back onto topic, have you found yourself some duets elmo? Certainly, as well as my suggestion, I'd second the Krommer as suggested by Appassionata.

Barry (clari)

No we haven't found any yet. My friend (wise monkey) went and had a look in our music shop, but they were only grade 1 things!

I think it is. I It sounds like good fun and I really like it but have never played it!

I've just checked Boosey & Hawkes' website. It's listed as a Boosey & Hawkes Custom Print (meaning that it's printed on request), but it appears it is still available.

Barry (clari)

I was playing two of the Mozart duets today and they were good, but I can't for the life of me remember what they were. I'd go to your local music shop and have a look.