Quality: 7.5

Difficulty: Solo-7.5, Accompaniment-9

(10 pages)

Highest Note: alt. F

Commisioned by the Iowa Clarinet Group

Highly rhythmic in both the clarinet and the piano; ensemble will be an issue

This genre (Sonata da camera, or "Chamber Sonata") was popular in the Baroque. It was usually three or four movements written for one or more melody instruments over continuo, intended for performance in a home or social setting. By comparison, the sonata da chiesa ("Church Sonata") was a four-movement ensemble work performed in church in lieu of an organ solo.

Despite the Baroque title of this piece, its style is more reminiscent of the 20th century: in its Baroque form, the clarinet could not have dealt with the chromaticism in this piece; it is highly rhythmic, with hemiola, negation of beat, and some unusual meters; and the piano figures prominently into the work, serving as more than just continuo.

Good sense of rhythm

Finger legato

Air support over leaps

Listen to the recording to hear the rhythms and how the parts fit together

Spend lots of time practicing with a metronome

Wright/Batlle; Recital No. 2; Boston Records