My question is this:

To what extent can Poulenc's Sonata for Clarinet & Piano be counted as a duet, rather than 'clarinet piece accompianied by a piano'? In my opinion, both parts have rather a strong part to play in the piece - so I would count it as a duet, therefore, this prompts my second question:

if i were doing a-level music performance, could i class this as my ensemble piece?

please reply.

mr man.

I think considering most sonatas as a duet tends to lead to a much healthier interaction between the piano and clarinet (or other instrument of course). However I'd be very surprised if it were an acceptable choice for your A-level ensemble piece. Best to check with your teacher.

I agree with CJB. You could play it as your solo piece though.

You can't play it as your ensemble piece unless you play the piano part and accompany someone else. I did a sonata for GCSE and it had to be a solo.

I played 2nd movement for my A2 performance

What does your A level music teacher have to say on the subject? I did some clarinet/piano stuff for GCSE ensemble (mainly because no-one else in the group was up to much!) but would have preferred to do a real proper chamber piece.

Yeah that is right. Well we did AQA so it might be different for another board.

Why oh why are you playing Poulenc? Shame on you

I'm almost 100% sure it's the same for Edexcel.

my piano-joueur friend who does a-level music wants me to play clarinet whilst he is being examined on piano.

nat - poulenc is amazing.
so there
ok?!

Sorry but IMO the words Poulenc and amazing do not go together!

yes they do

is that you in the picture?

yes

you look totally different to your last one.

Is that good or bad

good

Phew

To me it's definitely an ensemble piece in terms of interaction between the parts. They share a lot of material and sometimes have quite different themes. It's a great piece (except the middle movement!)

You may see it that way, but the exam boards set out certain 'rules' so to speak concerning what is allowed and what is not in performing, so maybe it is an ensemble piece to you, but that makes no difference as to whether it is acceptable to play or not.