A Survey of Chamber Music Literature for Clarinet and Cello Duo
BY LUIS A. VÍQUEZ
The purpose of this survey is to provide a list of literature written for clarinet and cello duo. This instrumental combination consist on a very unique chamber ensemble, whose repertoire may be hard to find. Thus, this list pretends to be a comprehensive source that provides information about pieces written for this type of duo, alongside with publishers information, duration, grade and comments on the compositions if available. The author aims to update the present list as new discoveries in clarinet/cello duo repertoire is found. All entries are organized by grade of difficulty.
BY LUIS A. VÍQUEZ
The purpose of this survey is to provide a list of literature written for clarinet and cello duo. This instrumental combination consist on a very unique chamber ensemble, whose repertoire may be hard to find. Thus, this list pretends to be a comprehensive source that provides information about pieces written for this type of duo, alongside with publishers information, duration, grade and comments on the compositions if available. The author aims to update the present list as new discoveries in clarinet/cello duo repertoire is found. All entries are organized by grade of difficulty.
Easy - Medium Easy
Luigi Cherubini (1760-1842) | MORCEAU POUR LA CLARINETTE (1824)
Composer´s Nationality: Italian
Publisher information: Boccaccini & Spada Editzione, 1984
Duration: ca. 2 min.
Style: Classical
Level of Difficulty: Medium Easy
Recording Information: B. Girolamo, cl./F.Mariozzi, vclo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf2cIAfaarY
Notes: Suitable for advanced high school students / freshman level. Explores altissimo register and stacatto scales. Written by Cherubini as an examination piece for the Paris Conservatoire.
Paul Hindemith (1895-1963) | "LUDUS MINOR" FOR CLARINET AND CELLO (1944)
Composer´s Nationality: German
Publisher information: Schott, 1995
Duration: ca. 9 min.
Style: Contemporary / Neo-Baroque
Level of Difficulty: Medium Easy
Recording Information: C. Klenyan, cl. / I. Varga, vcl. (HUNGAROTON HCD32325)
Notes: Completed on February 6, 1944 for been performed by his wife (cellist) and himself in the clarinet. Written after Ludus Tonalis (for piano). Consists on three fugues with two interludes in between. Dedicated "...with reverence to the cello and the cellists" / Very accessible composition, may present challenges in intonation of perfect intervals.
Jean Xavier Lefèvre (1763-1829) | SONATE #1 (1802)
Composer´s Nationality: French
Publisher information: Schott, 1974
Duration: ca. 8 min.
Style: Classical
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Recording Information: C. Lawson, cl. / S. Comberti, vclo (CLARINETCLASSICS CC0058)
Notes: Part of the 12 Progressive Sonatas for clarinet and continuo written by Lefevre. Those Sonatas are part of his Clarinet Method, written for the recently created Paris Conservatory. Very easy and accessible piece for beginners.
Jean Xavier Lefèvre (1763-1829) | SONATE #3 (1802)
Composer´s Nationality: French
Publisher information: Schott, 1987
Duration: ca. 10 min.
Style: Classical
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Recording Information: C. Lawson, cl. / S. Comberti, vclo (CLARINETCLASSICS CC0055)
Notes: Part of the 12 Progressive Sonatas for clarinet and continuo written by Lefevre. Those Sonatas are part of his Clarinet Method, written for the recently created Paris Conservatory. Very easy and accessible piece for beginners. Nice introductory piece for classical ornamentation.
Jean Xavier Lefèvre (1763-1829) | SONATE #7 (1802)
Composer´s Nationality: French
Publisher information: F. Robert, 1966.
Duration: ca. 15 min.
Style: Classical
Level of Difficulty: Medium Easy
Recording Information: C. Lawson, cl. / S. Comberti, vclo. (CLARINETCLASSICS CC0055)
Notes: Part of the 12 Progressive Sonatas for clarinet and continuo written by Lefevre. Those Sonatas are part of his Clarinet Method, written for the recently created Paris Conservatory. Very suitable for senior high school or college freshman year.
Daniel Morel (n. 1981) | "LAMENT" FOR CLARINET AND CELLO (2012/rev. 2015)
Composer´s Nationality: United States
Publisher information: Melody Labs Publishing - www.danmorel.com
Duration: ca. 3 min.
Style: Contemporary
Level of Difficulty: Medium Easy
Recording Information: N/A
Notes: Clarinet and Cello version written for the Duo Guandique/Viquez. Slow, chromatic, expressive composition. Ideal for teaching phrasing and expression with touches of contemporary sonorities.
Composer´s Nationality: Italian
Publisher information: Boccaccini & Spada Editzione, 1984
Duration: ca. 2 min.
Style: Classical
Level of Difficulty: Medium Easy
Recording Information: B. Girolamo, cl./F.Mariozzi, vclo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf2cIAfaarY
Notes: Suitable for advanced high school students / freshman level. Explores altissimo register and stacatto scales. Written by Cherubini as an examination piece for the Paris Conservatoire.
Paul Hindemith (1895-1963) | "LUDUS MINOR" FOR CLARINET AND CELLO (1944)
Composer´s Nationality: German
Publisher information: Schott, 1995
Duration: ca. 9 min.
Style: Contemporary / Neo-Baroque
Level of Difficulty: Medium Easy
Recording Information: C. Klenyan, cl. / I. Varga, vcl. (HUNGAROTON HCD32325)
Notes: Completed on February 6, 1944 for been performed by his wife (cellist) and himself in the clarinet. Written after Ludus Tonalis (for piano). Consists on three fugues with two interludes in between. Dedicated "...with reverence to the cello and the cellists" / Very accessible composition, may present challenges in intonation of perfect intervals.
Jean Xavier Lefèvre (1763-1829) | SONATE #1 (1802)
Composer´s Nationality: French
Publisher information: Schott, 1974
Duration: ca. 8 min.
Style: Classical
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Recording Information: C. Lawson, cl. / S. Comberti, vclo (CLARINETCLASSICS CC0058)
Notes: Part of the 12 Progressive Sonatas for clarinet and continuo written by Lefevre. Those Sonatas are part of his Clarinet Method, written for the recently created Paris Conservatory. Very easy and accessible piece for beginners.
Jean Xavier Lefèvre (1763-1829) | SONATE #3 (1802)
Composer´s Nationality: French
Publisher information: Schott, 1987
Duration: ca. 10 min.
Style: Classical
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Recording Information: C. Lawson, cl. / S. Comberti, vclo (CLARINETCLASSICS CC0055)
Notes: Part of the 12 Progressive Sonatas for clarinet and continuo written by Lefevre. Those Sonatas are part of his Clarinet Method, written for the recently created Paris Conservatory. Very easy and accessible piece for beginners. Nice introductory piece for classical ornamentation.
Jean Xavier Lefèvre (1763-1829) | SONATE #7 (1802)
Composer´s Nationality: French
Publisher information: F. Robert, 1966.
Duration: ca. 15 min.
Style: Classical
Level of Difficulty: Medium Easy
Recording Information: C. Lawson, cl. / S. Comberti, vclo. (CLARINETCLASSICS CC0055)
Notes: Part of the 12 Progressive Sonatas for clarinet and continuo written by Lefevre. Those Sonatas are part of his Clarinet Method, written for the recently created Paris Conservatory. Very suitable for senior high school or college freshman year.
Daniel Morel (n. 1981) | "LAMENT" FOR CLARINET AND CELLO (2012/rev. 2015)
Composer´s Nationality: United States
Publisher information: Melody Labs Publishing - www.danmorel.com
Duration: ca. 3 min.
Style: Contemporary
Level of Difficulty: Medium Easy
Recording Information: N/A
Notes: Clarinet and Cello version written for the Duo Guandique/Viquez. Slow, chromatic, expressive composition. Ideal for teaching phrasing and expression with touches of contemporary sonorities.
Intermediate - Intermediate Advanced
Ludwig von Beethoven (1770-1827) | THREE DUOS, WoO. 27 (1790-92)
Composer´s Nationality: German
Publisher information: Dover Publications, 1999
Duration: ca. 15 minutes each.
Style: Early Romantic
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
Recording Information: L. Viquez, cl./C. Guandique, vcl. (Click here)
Notes: Originally written for clarinet and bassoon.
Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) | VARIATIONS ON AN OCTATONIC SCALE FOR CLARINET AND CELLO (1989, rev. 2013)
Composer´s Nationality: United States
Publisher information: Boosey and Hawkes, 2013
Duration: ca. 8 min.
Style: Contemporary
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate-Advanced
Recording Information: N/A
Notes: Originally written for recorder and cello. Adapted and published for clarinet and cello. Theme, four variations and coda on a Dybbuk scale. Contemporary techniques (scordatura, flutter tongue)
Francois Devienne (1759-1803) | SIX DUOS, Op. 21 FOR CLARINET AND CELLO (ca. 1788-1803)
Composer´s Nationality: French
Publisher information: Amadeus
Duration: ca. 15 min. each
Style: Classical
Level of Difficulty: Medium-Advanced
Recording Information: Duo Devienne https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlDxmCWvRLI
Notes: Published for clarinet and cello, or clarinet and bassoon.
Paul Hindemith (1895-1963) | "Musikalisches Blumengärtlein und Leyptziger Allerley" (1927)
Composer´s Nationality: German
Publisher information: Schott, 1995
Duration: ca. 15 min.
Style: Contemporary / Neo-Classical
Level of Difficulty: Medium
Recording Information: R. van Spaendonck, cl. / A. Debrus, vcl https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3wLkCMztug
Notes: Originally written for clarinet and contrabass. Also written for domestic performance at home (Hindemith and his wife).
Olli Kortekangas (b. 1955) | "ISCRIZIONE" FOR CLARINET AND CELLO (1990)
Composer´s Nationality: Finnish
Publisher information: Love Kustannus, 1991
Duration: ca. 3 min.
Style: Contemporary
Level of Difficulty: Medium - Advanced
Recording Information: K. Kriikku cl, / A. Karttunen, vcl (ONDINE B000R7G65O)
Notes: Long, sustained notes juxtaposed with rubato scales. Extended techniques (percussion with keys, glissandi, harmonics)
Vinicio Meza (b. 1968) | "TRES MINIATURAS LATINOAMERICANAS" (2006)
Composer´s Nationality: Costa Rica
Publisher information: Gebrüder Stark
Duration: ca. 10 min.
Style: Contemporary / Latin
Level of Difficulty: Medium
Recording Information: N/A
Notes: Three miniatures written in Latin American style. Include a Mambo, a Waltz and a Son. / Clarinet part adapted by Luis Viquez, with permission of the composer.
Daniel Morel (N. 1981) | "DOVE SONG" FOR CLARINET AND CELLO (2013, rev. 2015)
Composer´s Nationality: United States
Publisher information: Melody Labs Publishing - www.danmorel.com
Duration: ca. 4 min.
Style: Contemporary
Level of Difficulty: Medium
Recording Information: N/A
Notes: Programatic piece that emulates the cooing of the dove, by brief descending glissandi in both the clarinet and cello parts.
Composer´s Nationality: German
Publisher information: Dover Publications, 1999
Duration: ca. 15 minutes each.
Style: Early Romantic
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
Recording Information: L. Viquez, cl./C. Guandique, vcl. (Click here)
Notes: Originally written for clarinet and bassoon.
Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) | VARIATIONS ON AN OCTATONIC SCALE FOR CLARINET AND CELLO (1989, rev. 2013)
Composer´s Nationality: United States
Publisher information: Boosey and Hawkes, 2013
Duration: ca. 8 min.
Style: Contemporary
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate-Advanced
Recording Information: N/A
Notes: Originally written for recorder and cello. Adapted and published for clarinet and cello. Theme, four variations and coda on a Dybbuk scale. Contemporary techniques (scordatura, flutter tongue)
Francois Devienne (1759-1803) | SIX DUOS, Op. 21 FOR CLARINET AND CELLO (ca. 1788-1803)
Composer´s Nationality: French
Publisher information: Amadeus
Duration: ca. 15 min. each
Style: Classical
Level of Difficulty: Medium-Advanced
Recording Information: Duo Devienne https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlDxmCWvRLI
Notes: Published for clarinet and cello, or clarinet and bassoon.
Paul Hindemith (1895-1963) | "Musikalisches Blumengärtlein und Leyptziger Allerley" (1927)
Composer´s Nationality: German
Publisher information: Schott, 1995
Duration: ca. 15 min.
Style: Contemporary / Neo-Classical
Level of Difficulty: Medium
Recording Information: R. van Spaendonck, cl. / A. Debrus, vcl https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3wLkCMztug
Notes: Originally written for clarinet and contrabass. Also written for domestic performance at home (Hindemith and his wife).
Olli Kortekangas (b. 1955) | "ISCRIZIONE" FOR CLARINET AND CELLO (1990)
Composer´s Nationality: Finnish
Publisher information: Love Kustannus, 1991
Duration: ca. 3 min.
Style: Contemporary
Level of Difficulty: Medium - Advanced
Recording Information: K. Kriikku cl, / A. Karttunen, vcl (ONDINE B000R7G65O)
Notes: Long, sustained notes juxtaposed with rubato scales. Extended techniques (percussion with keys, glissandi, harmonics)
Vinicio Meza (b. 1968) | "TRES MINIATURAS LATINOAMERICANAS" (2006)
Composer´s Nationality: Costa Rica
Publisher information: Gebrüder Stark
Duration: ca. 10 min.
Style: Contemporary / Latin
Level of Difficulty: Medium
Recording Information: N/A
Notes: Three miniatures written in Latin American style. Include a Mambo, a Waltz and a Son. / Clarinet part adapted by Luis Viquez, with permission of the composer.
Daniel Morel (N. 1981) | "DOVE SONG" FOR CLARINET AND CELLO (2013, rev. 2015)
Composer´s Nationality: United States
Publisher information: Melody Labs Publishing - www.danmorel.com
Duration: ca. 4 min.
Style: Contemporary
Level of Difficulty: Medium
Recording Information: N/A
Notes: Programatic piece that emulates the cooing of the dove, by brief descending glissandi in both the clarinet and cello parts.
Advanced
David N. Baker (b. 1931) | DUO FOR CLARINET AND CELLO (1988)
Composer´s Nationality: United States
Publisher information: Norrut Music, St. Louis, 1990
Duration: ca. 16 min.
Style: Contemporary - Jazz
Level of Difficulty: Advanced
Recording Information: N/A
Notes: James Underwood, from The Herald Times review the piece as: "...It's a fine work, one that contains jazz elements, particularly in the bluesy second movement, but also elements of traditional western classicism and harmony...My personal favorite was the first movement, the most contemporary of the three. It has some striking linear projections, as the two performers come together thematically and then separate either contrapuntally or soloistically. The juxtaposition of these diverse elements was masterfully handled by Baker, who moved through purely monodic to heavily polyphonic realms with grace. His melodic structures were fascinating, too, and the cello is required to perform as nimble as the more agile clarinet..."
Guillaume Connesson (b. 1970) | "DISCO TOCCATA" FOR CLARINET AND CELLO (1994)
Composer´s Nationality: French
Publisher information: Salabert Editions
Duration: ca. 3 min.
Style: Disco/Techno
Level of Difficulty: Advanced
Recording Information: F. Héau, cl. / J. Pernoo, vcl https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQfdqshPVqQ
Notes: Connesson describes the piece by himself telling: "My score borrows two elements from Disco music (fashionable since the end of the seventies): the stubborn assertiveness of the pulsating rhythm and the melodic formulae of string riffs. In Disco Toccata, I playfully develop both, exposing them to the unrelenting laws of classical music. For me, this rapidity and repetitiveness draws parallels with Baroque toccata, where instrumental virtuosity is the main expressive source. I have always been surprised by the similarities between todayʼs popular music and the baroque style, so I couldnʼt resist the pleasure (and the provocation) of mixing the two in one short piece."
Augustinus Franz Kropfreiter (1933-2003) | DUO CONCERTANTE FOR CLARINET AND CELLO (1988)
Composer´s Nationality: Austrian
Publisher information: Ludvig Doblinger, Vienna, 2001
Duration: ca. 15 min.
Style: Contemporary
Level of Difficulty: Advanced
Recording Information: N/A
Notes: Challenging meter changes. Extensive use of altissimo register in both instruments.
Henri C. van Praag (1894-1968) | "VOORSPEL, INTERMEZZO EN SCHERZO " FOR CLARINET AND CELLO (1943)
Composer´s Nationality: Neederlands
Publisher information: Donemus, Amsterdam, 1949.
Duration: ca. 5 min.
Style: Contemporary
Level of Difficulty: Advanced
Recording Information: N/A
Notes: Dedicated to Johan van Hell
Jerome Rosen (1921-2011) | SONATA FOR CLARINET AND CELLO (1950)
Composer´s Nationality: United States
Publisher information: New York : American Composers Alliance, ©1974.
Duration: ca. 12 min.
Style: Contemporary
Level of Difficulty: Advanced
Recording Information: Fantasy Album Discography. (5009, COMPOSERS FORUM, 1959).
Notes: First published piece by the composer. Premiered by the composer himself, who was a clarinetist.
Phyllis Tate (1911-1987) | SONATA FOR CLARINET AND CELLO (1947)
Composer´s Nationality: English
Publisher information: Oxford University Press, 1949
Duration: ca. 20 min.
Style: Contemporary
Level of Difficulty: Advanced
Recording Information: L. Levine, cl. / R. Christensen, vcl. (GASPARO GSCD-330)
Notes: Uses clarinet in A. Very chromatic. Use of baroque forms of Sarabande and Variations. Very challenging and energetic.
Iannis Xenakis (1922-2001) | "CHARISMA" FOR CLARINET AND CELLO (1971)
Composer´s Nationality: Greek
Publisher information: Salaber, 1971
Duration: ca. 4 min.
Style: Contemporary / Aleatoric
Level of Difficulty: Very difficult
Recording Information: H. Deinzer, cl. / S. Palm, vcl. (COLEGNO)
Notes: Composer quotes a phrase from Homer`s The Iliad: “then the soul like smoke moved into the earth, grinding.” Piece makes extensive use of extended techniques, such as vibrato, ponticello and mouthpiece noises, harmonics, emulation of electric sounds in the cello, percussion with the keys in the clarinet, among others. Time lapsus and lengths in seconds of sustained pitches are clearly instructed by the composer.
Composer´s Nationality: United States
Publisher information: Norrut Music, St. Louis, 1990
Duration: ca. 16 min.
Style: Contemporary - Jazz
Level of Difficulty: Advanced
Recording Information: N/A
Notes: James Underwood, from The Herald Times review the piece as: "...It's a fine work, one that contains jazz elements, particularly in the bluesy second movement, but also elements of traditional western classicism and harmony...My personal favorite was the first movement, the most contemporary of the three. It has some striking linear projections, as the two performers come together thematically and then separate either contrapuntally or soloistically. The juxtaposition of these diverse elements was masterfully handled by Baker, who moved through purely monodic to heavily polyphonic realms with grace. His melodic structures were fascinating, too, and the cello is required to perform as nimble as the more agile clarinet..."
Guillaume Connesson (b. 1970) | "DISCO TOCCATA" FOR CLARINET AND CELLO (1994)
Composer´s Nationality: French
Publisher information: Salabert Editions
Duration: ca. 3 min.
Style: Disco/Techno
Level of Difficulty: Advanced
Recording Information: F. Héau, cl. / J. Pernoo, vcl https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQfdqshPVqQ
Notes: Connesson describes the piece by himself telling: "My score borrows two elements from Disco music (fashionable since the end of the seventies): the stubborn assertiveness of the pulsating rhythm and the melodic formulae of string riffs. In Disco Toccata, I playfully develop both, exposing them to the unrelenting laws of classical music. For me, this rapidity and repetitiveness draws parallels with Baroque toccata, where instrumental virtuosity is the main expressive source. I have always been surprised by the similarities between todayʼs popular music and the baroque style, so I couldnʼt resist the pleasure (and the provocation) of mixing the two in one short piece."
Augustinus Franz Kropfreiter (1933-2003) | DUO CONCERTANTE FOR CLARINET AND CELLO (1988)
Composer´s Nationality: Austrian
Publisher information: Ludvig Doblinger, Vienna, 2001
Duration: ca. 15 min.
Style: Contemporary
Level of Difficulty: Advanced
Recording Information: N/A
Notes: Challenging meter changes. Extensive use of altissimo register in both instruments.
Henri C. van Praag (1894-1968) | "VOORSPEL, INTERMEZZO EN SCHERZO " FOR CLARINET AND CELLO (1943)
Composer´s Nationality: Neederlands
Publisher information: Donemus, Amsterdam, 1949.
Duration: ca. 5 min.
Style: Contemporary
Level of Difficulty: Advanced
Recording Information: N/A
Notes: Dedicated to Johan van Hell
Jerome Rosen (1921-2011) | SONATA FOR CLARINET AND CELLO (1950)
Composer´s Nationality: United States
Publisher information: New York : American Composers Alliance, ©1974.
Duration: ca. 12 min.
Style: Contemporary
Level of Difficulty: Advanced
Recording Information: Fantasy Album Discography. (5009, COMPOSERS FORUM, 1959).
Notes: First published piece by the composer. Premiered by the composer himself, who was a clarinetist.
Phyllis Tate (1911-1987) | SONATA FOR CLARINET AND CELLO (1947)
Composer´s Nationality: English
Publisher information: Oxford University Press, 1949
Duration: ca. 20 min.
Style: Contemporary
Level of Difficulty: Advanced
Recording Information: L. Levine, cl. / R. Christensen, vcl. (GASPARO GSCD-330)
Notes: Uses clarinet in A. Very chromatic. Use of baroque forms of Sarabande and Variations. Very challenging and energetic.
Iannis Xenakis (1922-2001) | "CHARISMA" FOR CLARINET AND CELLO (1971)
Composer´s Nationality: Greek
Publisher information: Salaber, 1971
Duration: ca. 4 min.
Style: Contemporary / Aleatoric
Level of Difficulty: Very difficult
Recording Information: H. Deinzer, cl. / S. Palm, vcl. (COLEGNO)
Notes: Composer quotes a phrase from Homer`s The Iliad: “then the soul like smoke moved into the earth, grinding.” Piece makes extensive use of extended techniques, such as vibrato, ponticello and mouthpiece noises, harmonics, emulation of electric sounds in the cello, percussion with the keys in the clarinet, among others. Time lapsus and lengths in seconds of sustained pitches are clearly instructed by the composer.