Cavallini Adagio e Tarantella for Clarinet in B flat and String Orchestra

Cavallini's Adagio e Tarantella is one of the most effective two-movement works in the clarinet repertoire: a slow, expressive Adagio cantabile followed without pause by a fast, technically demanding Tarantella. Ernesto Cavallini (1807-1874) was nicknamed the "Paganini of the Clarinet" by his contemporaries, and Verdi thought highly enough of his playing to write a solo for him in La forza del destino. This arrangement by Paul Wood sets the work for solo clarinet and string orchestra, replacing the original piano accompaniment with an orchestral part that adds harmonic depth and weight to both movements.

The Adagio asks for sustained operatic tone, expressive phrasing, and the Italian Romantic cantabile that the clarinet produces particularly well in its middle register. The Tarantella — a Neapolitan folk dance with a history that stretches back to the belief that dancing could cure a spider bite — demands fast articulation, rhythmic drive, and stamina across an extended, technically demanding passage. Together, the two sections cover a wide range of advanced clarinet technique within six minutes. The string parts sit at intermediate level, making this a practical option for conservatoire or strong school ensembles supporting an advanced soloist.

This edition presents the full, uncut version of the work, including the virtuosic introduction.

The contrast between the slow, lyrical opening and the fast, driven finale is an effective concert structure, and the Tarantella makes a strong finish. At six minutes, it works well as a concert centrepiece or programme closer.

See and hear the difference

Check the score and parts preview images above, then watch the complete score video below. They'll give you a clear picture of the engraving quality and overall difficulty before you buy.

Key features

• Instrumentation: Solo Clarinet (B♭) and String Orchestra (Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Double Bass)
• Difficulty: advanced solo part; intermediate string orchestra parts
• Duration: approximately 6 minutes
• Style focus: operatic cantabile tone (Adagio), fast articulation and stamina (Tarantella)
• Arranger: Paul Wood for MyMusicScores; full, uncut version
• Format: PDF download, full score and all parts

Who it's for

Suits an advanced clarinettist looking for a technically demanding Italian Romantic solo feature with orchestral support, and a conservatoire or school ensemble wanting to accompany a strong soloist in a substantial, well-known clarinet work. Works well as a concert centrepiece or programme closer.