German - Danish.

To mark .the 250th anniversary of Schott Music, these treasures have been uncovered from the archives, reedited and presented in these beautiful editions. .This anthology is aimed at intermediate to advanced clarinetists looking for some .interesting new discoveries .away from the .standard repertoire. Containing works largely from the Romantic era, these are virtuoso pieces de resistance and encores, expressive character pieces, gems of salon music .and elaborate arrangements of well-known melodies and themes. Many of the original compositions and arrangements were written by major instrumentalists of the 19th century.

Rossini was born in Pesaro (Italy) and died in Paris. Today he is one of the most famous Italian composers. His operas are performed and celebrated frequently. Clarinettists will be familiar with the piece 'Introduction, Theme and Variations' of 1819 by Rossini. The Fantasia for clarinet and piano is not as well known. The first edition of 'Fantasia per clarinetto e pianoforte' was printed in 1829 by Ricordi in Milan. The work was reprinted by Schott with the title Fantaisie pour piano et Clarinette ou Violon ou Flute in 1890 (plate number 3109) - proof of the popularity of the piece. The Fantasia has a free form with four sections: A dramatic Introduction - a light, exhilarating Theme and two Variations (the first for piano) - an Aria over tremolo chords - and a powerful Finale.