When it comes to clarinet auditions, selecting the right piece can make all the difference.
The right piece can showcase a musician’s technical abilities, musicality, and overall talent.
However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to start.
Fortunately, there are several pieces that are consistently recommended by professionals in the field.
For example, the Premiere Rhapsodie by Claude Debussy is a popular choice for auditions.
This piece showcases the clarinet’s lyrical qualities and requires a high level of technical skill.
Another recommended piece is the Clarinet Concerto by Aaron Copland, which is known for its beautiful melodies and virtuosic passages.
These pieces, along with others, provide a great starting point for musicians preparing for a clarinet audition.
Technical Proficiency
Technical proficiency is a crucial aspect of any clarinet audition.
The candidate must demonstrate a high level of skill and control over the instrument to impress the judges.
This section will cover some of the best B-flat and E-flat clarinet audition pieces that showcase technical proficiency.
B-flat Clarinet Audition Pieces
- Weber – Concerto No. 1, Op. 73 – This three-movement concerto is a classic for clarinet auditions. The first movement features fast and technically demanding passages, while the second movement showcases the player’s ability to play expressively. The third movement is a lively and challenging rondo.
- Mozart – Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K. 622 – This is another classic concerto that is often used in auditions. The first movement features fast and intricate runs, while the second movement is a slow and lyrical melody. The third movement is a lively and playful rondo.
- Stravinsky – Three Pieces for Clarinet Solo – This set of three short pieces is a great choice for showcasing technical proficiency. The first piece is fast and rhythmic, the second is slow and expressive, and the third is lively and playful.
E-flat Clarinet Audition Pieces
- Weber – Concertino for Clarinet and Orchestra, Op. 26 – This is a great choice for showcasing technical proficiency on the E-flat clarinet. The first movement features fast runs and trills, while the second movement is a slow and expressive melody. The third movement is a lively and virtuosic rondo.
- Debussy – Premiere Rhapsodie – This beautiful piece is a great choice for demonstrating technical proficiency on the E-flat clarinet. The piece features fast runs and intricate passages, as well as expressive and lyrical sections.
- Saint-Saens – Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 167 – This three-movement sonata is a great choice for showcasing technical proficiency on the E-flat clarinet. The first movement is fast and virtuosic, the second movement is slow and expressive, and the third movement is a lively and playful rondo.
Solo Clarinet Audition Pieces
When it comes to solo clarinet audition pieces, there are many great options to choose from.
The key is to find a piece that showcases your skills and abilities while also demonstrating your musicality and interpretation.
In this section, we will explore some of the best solo clarinet audition pieces by period: Classical, Romantic, and 20th Century.
Classical Period
During the Classical period, composers such as Mozart, Stamitz, and Weber wrote some of the most enduring works for the clarinet.
One of the most popular audition pieces from this period is Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A Major.
This piece is a staple of the clarinet repertoire and showcases the instrument’s lyrical and expressive qualities.
Another great option is the Clarinet Concerto No. 3 in B-flat Major by Stamitz, which is a technically demanding piece that demonstrates the clarinet’s agility and virtuosity.
Romantic Period
The Romantic period saw the rise of the virtuoso performer, and many composers wrote pieces that showcased the clarinet’s technical capabilities.
One of the most famous works from this period is Weber’s Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in F minor.
This piece is a tour de force for the clarinet and requires a high level of technical skill and control.
Another popular option is the Sonata for Clarinet and Piano by Brahms, which is a beautiful and expressive piece that showcases the clarinet’s ability to convey emotion and feeling.
20th Century
In the 20th century, composers such as Debussy and Poulenc wrote some of the most innovative and exciting works for the clarinet.
One of the most popular pieces from this period is Debussy’s Premiere Rhapsodie, which is a beautiful and atmospheric work that showcases the clarinet’s ability to create a wide range of colors and textures.
Another great option is Poulenc’s Clarinet Sonata, which is a technically demanding piece that requires a high level of skill and control.
When it comes to solo clarinet audition pieces, there are many great options to choose from. Whether you prefer the lyrical and expressive works of the Classical period, the virtuosic and technically demanding works of the Romantic period, or the innovative and exciting works of the 20th century, there is something for every clarinetist.
By selecting a piece that showcases your skills and abilities, you can make a strong impression on any audition panel and demonstrate your musicality and interpretation.
Clarinet Concerto Audition Pieces
When it comes to clarinet auditions, the concerto is a popular choice for showcasing the player’s technical and expressive abilities. Below are some of the best clarinet concerto audition pieces to consider.
Classical Period
During the Classical Period, composers wrote some of the most beloved and enduring works for the clarinet.
One of the most famous is Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, which is a staple of the clarinet repertoire.
Another excellent option is the Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in F minor by Carl Maria von Weber, which features virtuosic passages and a lyrical second movement.
| Composer | Piece |
|---|---|
| Mozart | Clarinet Concerto |
| Weber | Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in F minor |
Romantic Period
The Romantic Period saw the emergence of many great clarinet concertos, including those by Brahms and Saint-Saens. Brahms’ Clarinet Sonata No. 1 and No. 2 are also great options for auditions.
Henri Rabaud’s Solo de Concours is a popular choice for auditions as well, with its technical passages and lyrical melodies.
| Composer | Piece |
|---|---|
| Brahms | Clarinet Concerto |
| Saint-Saens | Clarinet Sonata Op. 167 |
| Rabaud | Solo de Concours |
20th Century
In the 20th century, composers continued to write innovative and challenging works for the clarinet.
Copland’s Clarinet Concerto is a popular choice for auditions, with its jazzy rhythms and expressive melodies.
Another excellent option is the Clarinet Concerto No. 1 by Malcolm Arnold, which features a virtuosic cadenza and a lively final movement.
| Composer | Piece |
|---|---|
| Copland | Clarinet Concerto |
| Arnold | Clarinet Concerto No. 1 |
Other notable 20th-century clarinet concertos include Hindemith’s Clarinet Concerto, Bernstein’s Prelude, Fugue and Riffs, and Shostakovich’s Chamber Symphony Op. 110a.
Additionally, Five Bagatelles by Finzi and Rhapsody in Blue by Gershwin are great pieces for showcasing the clarinet’s versatility.
| Composer | Piece |
|---|---|
| Hindemith | Clarinet Concerto |
| Bernstein | Prelude, Fugue and Riffs |
| Shostakovich | Chamber Symphony Op. 110a |
| Finzi | Five Bagatelles |
| Gershwin | Rhapsody in Blue |
When choosing a concerto for an audition, it’s important to consider the technical demands of the piece, as well as its expressive potential.
With so many great options to choose from, the clarinetist can find a concerto that showcases their unique talents and abilities.
Play Along Audition Pieces
Play along audition pieces are a great way to practice for your upcoming clarinet auditions.
These pieces come with a pre-recorded accompaniment, allowing you to practice your solo with a full orchestra or piano accompaniment.
Here are some popular play along audition pieces to consider:
Music Minus One
Music Minus One is a popular publisher of play along audition pieces.
They offer a wide range of pieces for clarinetists of all levels, including classical, jazz, and pop music. Each piece comes with a CD or online audio tracks that feature a professional accompanist playing the piano or orchestra parts.
Some popular Music Minus One pieces for clarinet include:
- Mozart: Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K. 622
- Brahms: Clarinet Sonata in E-flat Major, Op. 120, No. 2
- Gershwin: Three Preludes for Clarinet and Piano
Hal Leonard
Hal Leonard is another publisher of play along audition pieces.
They offer a variety of pieces for clarinetists, including classical, jazz, and pop music.
Each piece comes with a CD or online audio tracks that feature a professional accompanist playing the piano or orchestra parts.
Some popular Hal Leonard pieces for clarinet include:
- Saint-Saëns: Clarinet Sonata in E-flat Major, Op.167
- Debussy: Premiere Rhapsodie for Clarinet and Piano
- Bernstein: Clarinet Sonata
Audition Solos
Audition Solos is a website that offers a variety of play along audition pieces for clarinet.
Each piece comes with a PDF file of the sheet music and a recording of the accompaniment. The website offers pieces for clarinetists of all levels, including middle school, high school, and college level auditions.
Some popular Audition Solos pieces for clarinet include:
- Level One (Middle School): Mozart: Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K. 622
- Level Two (Early High School): Brahms: Clarinet Sonata in E-flat Major, Op. 120, No. 2
- Level Three (High School): Weber: Concertino for Clarinet and Orchestra, Op. 26
Using play along audition pieces can be a great way to prepare for your upcoming clarinet auditions.
They allow you to practice your solo with a full accompaniment, helping you to feel more confident and prepared on the day of your audition.