Quick question: I can't decide what piece to play from list A clarinet grade 8:

Either Schuman 2nd and 3rd mvts from Fantasiestucke
OR
Allegro (1st mvt) from Mozart's clarinet concerto.

For the other two I am playing Malcolm Arnold 1st mvt from Sonatina for Clarinet and Chris Allen Study number 60.

Any opinions greatly appreciated!

If you aren't sure, ask your teacher for advice on which you play best. For grade 8, you will want as many marks as possible, so choose the A piece which shows off your strengths to best advantage.

My son's teacher thinks the Mozart is very hard to get good marks on, as every examiner knows it and has his favoourite version! Don't know how true this is, as your version and the examiner's could coincide, but it's a point of view. My son did the Schumann, and scored highly on it.

I can see your point on this as there are some versions I listen to and hate, and I always have to play it the same way. Thanks! I prefer the Mozart but at the moment I am putting the same amount of practice into each piece (well more into the 3rd mvt of Schuman as it is difficult in my opinion). I will bear this in mind.

I agree wholeheartedly with BerkshireMum's son's clarinet teacher. Whilst studying the Mozart is pretty much essential for all clarinettists I think the Schumann would be a better choice for this exam.

Thanks for the help. I've decided to do the Schuman now, just a few technical issues I can't overcome but I'll work at them!

What problems are you having, woodwindman?

Hmmm... Interesting...
Over the years, I have had several students who opted to play Mozart (1st or 3rd movements) for their Grade 8. Whilst I understand what the others are saying regarding popularity and the examiners having their personal opinion etc, etc, I always advise the students to choose something they like, they enjoy, and the pieces which show off their strength.

Choosing Schumann is a lovely idea - I like these pieces a lot! I hope that you have a competant pianisit to play with you. (Mozart has much easier accompaniment). Remember it is a chamber music, too.

Playing Mozart on any instrument brings a lot of discussion regarding style, articulation, expression etc, and undoubtedly, everyone has their own opinion on how to achieve the best performance. But surely, the examiners are open-minded and welcome performances which are well-prepared...

Best of luck with your forthcoming exam.
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Sounds like a good programme. Have to admit to not being a massive fan of the Chris Allen no. 60, but the Arnold and Schumann are both great.

Best of luck!