Description
Concerto for Clarinet-Andy Firth in Eb Major Opus 501
Concerto for Clarinet-Andy Firth in Eb Major Opus 501
Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Composed in the style of the classic 18th-century clarinet composers Weber, Stamitz, and Crusell and designed to be playable by most intermediate-level players.
The first movement is in sonata form format with the main theme and a series of sub-themes based on this. This movement is dramatic and operatic in style
and is excellent for giving less experienced classically-oriented clarinet players a glimpse into the world of the more standard concerto and classical clarinet repertoire.
The second movement features a lovely romantic style theme with a slow, longing melody that gently unfolds leading to a short rubato cadenza and the final moments of the movement.
The third Movement is a brisk six-eight romp. The main theme is pastoral in style and travels through major and minor manifestations of this. This movement is the most challenging technically speaking for the soloist. It is, however, an excellent precursor for the typical brisk rondo-style movements found in the concertos of the period.
Range: E1 to F4
Technical aspects: Semi-quaver scale and arpeggio-based passages of moderate difficulty.
