Lesser Known Masterpieces for Clarinet

All clarinetists need to study and perform the great masterworks by Mozart, Weber, Schumann, Brahms, Nielsen, Copland, and the great wealth of "standard" repertoire. These works are famous and beloved for good reason! This being said, there are also a number of wonderful solo works for clarinet that somehow have escaped the mainstream radar screen. These works will also bring the performer rich musical rewards and are definitely worth exploring.

In no particular order, here are 20 of my favorite lesser known masterpieces for clarinet, representing a wide variety of styles and nearly two centuries.

1. Julius Rietz - Concerto, Op. 29

2. Theodore Gouvy - Sonata, Op. 67

3. Ferrucio Busoni - Concertino, Op. 48

4. Aleksander Manevich - Concerto (out of print but worth finding)

5. William Alwyn - Sonata

6. Norbert Bergmuller - Duo, Op. 15

7. Arnold Bax - Sonata

8. Edwin York Bowen - Sonata

9. Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco - Sonata, Op. 128

10. Ferdinand David - Introduction and Variations, Op. 8

11. Thomas Dunhill - Phantasy Suite, Op. 91

12. Juraj Filas - A Little Slovak Rhapsody

13. Carlos Gustavino - Sonata

14. John Ireland - Fantasy Sonata

15. Gustav Jenner - Sonata

16. Daniel Gregory Mason - Sonata, Op. 14

17. Armando Ghidoni – Nocturne & Sicilienne

18. Nino Rota - Sonata in Re

19. Antoni Szalowski – Sonatina

20. Mieczyslaw Weinberg - Sonata, Op. 28

Each of these works is very worthy of consideration for study and performance. I hope you enjoy exploring these wonderful lesser known compositions.