Nextto nothing is known about the origins of Johann Pachelbel?s Canon in D. Theearliest manuscript dates from the nineteenth century and the piece only emergedfrom obscurity through radio play in the 1970s. Now one of the best-loved andubiquitous classical pieces, the Canon?srepeating chord sequence has inspired countless pop tunes from the Streets of London, to I Should be so Lucky and Don?t Look Back in Anger. This version is arranged andtransposed to a suitable key as a Quartet for three Clarinets in Bb and one Bass Clarinet. The originalnote values have been doubled to make the rhythms easier to read. Musicians at an advanced intermediate level and above will find this ideal for formal andinformal performances, and being a Canon, all but the bass part play themelody. Duet versions of this piece can also be found by browsing from the linkbelow. The overall performance time is around four and a half minutes. Teachers will enjoy using this arrangement as a fun way to helpwith stamina, concentration and rhythmic consistency.

Clarinet Quartet: 2 B-flat Clarinets, Alto Clarinet or Basset Horn, Bass Clarinet.

This arrangement for advanced players aims to present Edvard Grieg's well-known piano miniature as faithfully as possible for a clarinet quartet. The only simplification I've made is to transpose it up half a step from the original D major. It's a musically satisfying teaching piece that will also delight audiences in a "solos and ensembles" concert, or as music for a wedding. The prominent Alto Clarinet part can alternatively be played on Basset Horn.