Looking for a show-stopping piece that perfectly balances lyrical emotion with dazzling technical flair? For too long, Ernesto Cavallini’s Adagio e Tarantella has been a mainstay of the advanced clarinet repertoire, but often played from confusing, cluttered, or, frankly, chopped-up old editions! We’ve brought this thrilling work back into the light with an edition that lets you focus on the virtuosity, not on deciphering faded ink.
Composed by the 19th-century Italian clarinet virtuoso Ernesto Cavallini—the man they called the "Paganini of the Clarinet"—this piece showcases exactly why he earned that title. It starts with a dramatic, recitative-like introduction, leading into a truly gorgeous, singing Adagio that lets the clarinet’s tone shine. The excitement then explodes into the famous Tarantella: a furious, breathless Italian folk dance, traditionally believed to be the only cure for a tarantula bite! (Don’t worry, the only thing infectious here is the fun.)
Our new edition is a joy to work with. We’ve meticulously cleaned up the engraving and restored clarity to the original notation, ensuring both the Clarinet and Piano parts are easy to read under performance lights (or just in the practice room!).
Key Features:
- Instrumentation: Clarinet in B-flat and Piano.
- Difficulty: Advanced (Conservatoire/Undergraduate level). Expect rapid scales, arpeggios, and expressive technical demands.
- Editor: Paul Wood, meticulously re-engraved and edited for maximum clarity.
- Format: High-quality PDF for instant download and printing. Printed editions coming soon!
- Fidelity: Full, unedited version of the original 1869 publication, providing the complete musical journey Cavallini intended.
Why It Matters
This piece is a vital link to the Romantic Italian tradition, showing how the clarinet stepped out of the orchestra pit and into the spotlight as a solo superstar. Every time you perform the Adagio, you connect to the lyrical heart of 19th-century opera, and in the Tarantella, you bring to life the sheer, exhilarating energy of an Italian folk dance. It’s a wonderful piece for an advanced recital or as a spectacular audition choice. Join us in celebrating Cavallini’s genius and give your audience a true show!
Closing Note
Perfect for advanced student recitals, competitions, or simply a hugely rewarding personal challenge. We’d absolutely love to hear your performance of this showpiece—tag us in your videos and let the community know what you think!
