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.

Julius Rietz - Concerto, Op. 29

Theodore Gouvy - Sonata, Op. 67

Ferrucio Busoni - Concertino, Op. 48

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

William Alwyn - Sonata

Norbert Bergmuller - Duo, Op. 15

Arnold Bax - Sonata

Edwin York Bowen - Sonata

Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco - Sonata, Op. 128

Ferdinand David - Introduction and Variations, Op. 8

Thomas Dunhill - Phantasy Suite, Op. 91

Juraj Filas - A Little Slovak Rhapsody

Carlos Gustavino - Sonata

John Ireland - Fantasy Sonata

Gustav Jenner - Sonata

Daniel Gregory Mason - Sonata, Op. 14

Armando Ghidoni – Nocturne & Sicilienne

Nino Rota - Sonata in Re

Antoni Szalowski – Sonatina

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.

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