hi. there is a girl whom I "like" and I want to impress her through the only way i know how: music.

she plays viola, which is useful, so I am planning on writing a duet for clarinet (my instrument) and viola(hers). Here comes the hard bit: how do I write a romantic duet for the two?
David.

sorry i cant be of any help with the writing but how nice of you to think to do this i am sure she will love whatever you write ( )

and good luck if all fails buy choccies and sheet music xxx

Well - it's a good match of instruments.

I'm not a composer, but have a listen to some existing romantic music for clarinet & viola.
These - by Bruch for a start.

And of course, Brahms transcribed his clarinet sonatas for viola himself (I'm a violist and my dad is a clarinettist, so I like to say that Brahms 'improved' the sonatas in the 2nd draft)

Going back in time a bit further, there's Mozart's 'Kegelstadt' trio for viola, clarinet & piano.

I'm sure I've played other things for the combination too, but a listen to some of the above might inspire you with the rich tones and textures - perfect for a budding romance!

K.

You should certainly study other compositions to see what works. I don't know any duos, but there are several works that have both instruments in a slightly larger ensemble. My favourites are Mozart's Eb trio and the two quintets (Cl and string quartet) by Mozart and Brahms. Schumann wrote several short pieces for the same trio as the Mozart, but I don't know them as well, as the piano parts need more work than I was prepared to give them.