Clarinet is a popular woodwind instrument that has been used in various genres of music, including classical, jazz, and pop.
It has a unique sound that is instantly recognizable and has been featured in many popular songs over the years.
For those who are learning to play the clarinet or looking for new music to play, there are many top hits that have been arranged for the instrument.
One of the benefits of playing top hits on the clarinet is that it allows players to learn and play music that they are already familiar with.
This can make the learning process more enjoyable and motivate them to continue practicing.
Additionally, playing top hits on the clarinet can be a fun way to show off their skills to friends and family, or even perform in front of a larger audience.
Whether someone is a beginner or an experienced player, there are many top hits available for the clarinet.
From pop songs to classical pieces, there is something for everyone.
By learning to play these songs, they can improve their skills, expand their repertoire, and enjoy the unique sound of the clarinet.
Top Clarinet Hits of All Time
The clarinet has been a popular instrument in various genres of music for centuries.
From classical music to pop and rock, the clarinet has been featured in countless hits throughout history.
Here are some of the top clarinet hits of all time, divided into different categories.
Classical Music
Classical music has some of the most iconic clarinet pieces in history.
Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, performed by Sharon Kam, is one of the most popular classical pieces featuring the clarinet.
Another famous piece is Weber’s Clarinet Concerto No. 2, which has a particularly beautiful second movement.
Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel is another classical piece that features the clarinet prominently.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622: Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto is considered one of the greatest compositions in the clarinet repertoire. It is admired for its melodic beauty, technical brilliance, and expressive qualities.
Carl Maria von Weber – Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in F minor, Op. 73: Weber’s Clarinet Concerto No. 1 is a cornerstone of the clarinet repertoire. It showcases the instrument’s agility and virtuosity while exploring a range of emotions, from dramatic to lyrical.
Carl Stamitz – Clarinet Concerto No. 3 in B-flat major: Stamitz was a prominent clarinetist and composer of the classical period. His Clarinet Concerto No. 3 is a delightful and melodic work that has become a beloved staple in the repertoire.
Johannes Brahms – Clarinet Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 120: Brahms composed two clarinet sonatas, and both are highly regarded. The first sonata is particularly admired for its rich melodies, deep expressiveness, and beautiful interplay between the clarinet and piano.
Aaron Copland – Clarinet Concerto: Copland’s Clarinet Concerto is a significant American composition that blends elements of classical, jazz, and folk music. It has gained popularity for its distinctively American sound, rhythmic vitality, and engaging melodies.
Movie Soundtracks
The clarinet has also been featured in many famous movie soundtracks.
The song “Let It Go” from the movie Frozen features a prominent clarinet part.
The clarinet is also featured in the soundtrack of the movie “Memories of a Geisha.” Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” which was used in the opening scene of Woody Allen’s “Manhattan,” is another famous clarinet piece.
Some other popular clarinet hits from movie soundtracks include:
“The Pink Panther Theme” – Henry Mancini: This iconic theme, featuring a jazzy clarinet melody, was composed for the film “The Pink Panther” and has since become synonymous with the character.
“Gabriel’s Oboe” – Ennio Morricone: While not specifically featuring the clarinet, this hauntingly beautiful melody from the movie “The Mission” has been arranged for various instruments, including the clarinet, and is a favorite among clarinetists.
“Gonna Fly Now” – Bill Conti: This uplifting and energetic theme, prominently featuring a clarinet solo, is known as the theme from the movie “Rocky” and has become an iconic musical motif.
“Rhapsody in Blue” – George Gershwin: Though not originally written for a movie, this jazz-infused orchestral piece featuring a famous clarinet glissando has been featured in numerous films, including Woody Allen’s “Manhattan.
“Schindler’s List Theme” – John Williams: John Williams’ poignant and haunting theme from the film “Schindler’s List” features a clarinet solo that beautifully captures the emotional depth of the story.
“The Carnival of Venice” – Traditional: While not specifically composed for a movie, this popular and virtuosic clarinet showpiece has been used in various films and is often associated with scenes set in Venice.
“The Godfather Theme” – Nino Rota: The clarinet plays a prominent role in the famous theme from “The Godfather” composed by Nino Rota, creating a melancholic and evocative atmosphere.
“The Entertainer” – Scott Joplin: Though not originally written for a movie, this ragtime classic featuring a lively and catchy clarinet melody gained renewed popularity after being prominently featured in the film “The Sting.”
“Theme from ‘E.T. (The Extra-Terrestrial)'” – John Williams: John Williams’ magical and heartwarming theme from “E.T. (The Extra-Terrestrial)” features a memorable clarinet solo that captures the wonder and innocence of the film.
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – Harold Arlen: While not specifically featuring the clarinet, this beloved song from “The Wizard of Oz” has been arranged for various instruments, including the clarinet, and is often performed with a soulful clarinet interpretation.
Pop and Rock
The clarinet has also made its way into the world of pop and rock music.
Queen’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” features a beautiful clarinet solo.
The song “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten also prominently features the clarinet.
Adele’s “Hello” has a memorable clarinet part that adds to the song’s emotional impact.
Some other popular pop and rock songs that feature the clarinet are:
“Go Your Own Way” – Fleetwood Mac: This classic rock song by Fleetwood Mac features a memorable clarinet solo towards the end of the track, played by Peter Green.
“You Can Call Me Al” – Paul Simon: While primarily known for its catchy horn section, Paul Simon’s hit song also includes a clarinet solo performed by Chris McDonald.
“Us and Them” – Pink Floyd: Although saxophone dominates in Pink Floyd’s “Us and Them,” there is a prominent clarinet solo by Richard Wright that adds a distinctive and melancholic touch to the song.
“Hotel California” – Eagles: In the iconic rock ballad “Hotel California,” there is a brief clarinet solo by Don Henley towards the end of the song that adds a unique texture.
“Good Vibrations” – The Beach Boys: Brian Wilson incorporated a clarinet section into the elaborate instrumentation of “Good Vibrations,” contributing to the song’s complex and distinctive sound.
“One Week” – Barenaked Ladies: Although the Barenaked Ladies’ song is predominantly driven by guitars and vocals, a clarinet line is featured during the bridge, adding a playful and unexpected element.
“Penny Lane” – The Beatles: While not a clarinet solo, the use of clarinet in The Beatles’ “Penny Lane” is notable, enhancing the nostalgic and whimsical character of the song.
“Nights in White Satin” – The Moody Blues: The Moody Blues’ classic rock ballad features a haunting clarinet melody that adds an ethereal quality to the composition.
Folk Songs
The clarinet has also been featured in many folk songs.
“When the Saints Go Marching In” is a classic folk song that features the clarinet prominently.
The song “Danny Boy” also has a beautiful clarinet part that adds to the song’s emotional impact.
“Klezmer Freilach” (Traditional Jewish Klezmer): Klezmer music, which is rooted in Jewish folk traditions, often incorporates the clarinet as a lead instrument. “Klezmer Freilach” is a lively and celebratory klezmer tune where the clarinet takes center stage.
“The Rising of the Moon” (Irish Folk Song): While not originally featuring the clarinet, this Irish folk song has been arranged for various instruments, including the clarinet. It can be performed with a traditional folk ensemble or as a solo instrument.
“Dark Eyes” (Russian Folk Song): “Dark Eyes” is a well-known Russian folk song that has been performed and recorded in various arrangements. Some interpretations feature the clarinet as part of the instrumental ensemble, adding a unique color to the song.
“Hava Nagila” (Traditional Hebrew Folk Song): “Hava Nagila” is a joyous Hebrew folk song that is often associated with Jewish celebrations. In some renditions, the clarinet is used to play the infectious melody, contributing to the festive and lively atmosphere.
“Clarinet Polka” (Polish Folk Dance): The “Clarinet Polka” is a lively and spirited Polish folk dance tune. As the name suggests, the clarinet often takes on the role of playing the energetic and catchy melody in this piece.
The clarinet has been a popular instrument in various genres of music for centuries. From classical music to pop and rock, the clarinet has been featured in countless hits throughout history. These are just a few examples of the top clarinet hits of all time.