SKU: HL.50566025

ISBN 9781705192658. UPC: 196288132332. 9.0x12.0x0.105 inches.

This edition is enriched with a historical introduction in French and English by notable clarinettist Pierre Génisson. “[...] this piece is, without a doubt, one of the sweetest I have ever written.” As this letter that Claude Debussy wrote to Durand, his publisher, indicates, the composer held his Rhapsodie for clarinet and piano in very high regard. In 1909, when Gabriel Fauré, then director of the Paris Conservatoire, commissioned the piece, Debussy had never before written for clarinet. He dedicated it to P. Mimart, “as a token of my regard.” After the unanimous recognition of the high quality of this solo, written for competition, Mimart premiered it in public on 16 January 1911 at the Salle Gaveau in Paris. Two years later, Debussy would choose to expand it further, writing a version accompanied by orchestra with a greatly expanded palette of colors. As its name suggests, it is freeform, and emanates a great poetry. The introduction, “Rêveusement lent,” is an evocation of the dawn. This gives way to a scene of nature's awakening, which never ceases to amaze us with its transformations. At times calm and lyrical, it sometimes becomes mischievous, vindictive or even joyous, especially during the scherzando passages. In a heightened impressionist style, Debussy gives free rein to his imagination, demanding tremendous speed and precision from the clarinettist.

SKU: HL.50566005

ISBN 9781705154977. UPC: 196288022947. 9.0x12.0x0.162 inches.

“Musique française” is a series designed for students and teachers as well as professionals. These editions offer masterworks in French music, with performance suggestions and historical and stylistic commentary by noted scholars. Pierre Sancan wrote the Sonatine pour clarinette et piano in 1963. A renowned composer, he first of all made his mark as a pianist and outstanding teacher. This piece, short and concise in form, is made up of three brief, linked movements. It is perfectly calibrated as a Conservatoire graduation piece. It invites clarinettists to display all their technical, musical and tonal abilities in a small-scale work.