Looking for a dazzling, warm-hearted showpiece that will truly make your clarinet soloist shine? Paul Jeanjean's Arabesques is a fantastic choice, and now, we've given it a lush new string accompaniment that provides the perfect, warm backdrop. Warning: this piece may cause audience members to tap their toes and marvel at the soloist’s finger-work!
The original Arabesques by Paul Jeanjean (1874–1929) is a staple of the French clarinet repertoire—a charming, virtuosic piece often used for sight-reading competitions (concours) in the French conservatory system. Jeanjean, a respected clarinettist and professor, wrote pieces that perfectly captured the elegant spirit of the Belle Époque era with their cascading scales, lyrical middle section, and infectious rhythm. Our new edition keeps the brilliant solo part completely intact but replaces the functional piano accompaniment with a rich, responsive string ensemble. This arrangement transforms the piece from a slightly stiff duet into a miniature concerto, perfect for a recital or a chamber orchestra concert. We’ve meticulously balanced the string texture to ensure the clarinet’s sparkling lines are always heard clearly, giving you an edition that’s both practical and genuinely musical.
Key Features:
- Instrumentation: Solo Clarinet (in B-flat) and String Orchestra (Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Double Bass).
- Difficulty: Advanced intermediate to advanced (suitable for diploma-level players). The solo part is genuinely challenging but highly rewarding.
- Arranger/Editor: Meticulously arranged for string orchestra by Paul Wood and re-engraved for crystal-clear legibility.
- Format: High-quality PDF for instant download (Score and all parts).
- Fidelity: Retains the original, dazzling solo line in its entirety; the arrangement faithfully captures the harmonic intent of the piano original while adding colour and depth.
Why It Matters
Jeanjean’s Arabesques is pure joy in musical form, a piece that has trained and delighted generations of clarinettists. By playing this arrangement, you’re not just performing dazzling technical passages; you're bringing an underappreciated French gem into the concert hall with a wonderful new texture. It offers a great opportunity for the soloist to develop both speed and expressive phrasing, and it's a wonderfully uplifting piece to programme in any concert. Let’s keep this charming French spirit alive by giving it the platform it deserves!
Closing Note
Perfect for solo competitions, university recitals, or a light-hearted, yet impressive, concert opener. Gather your string players, enjoy the sparkle of this piece, and be sure to let us know how your performance goes! We’d love to share your musical adventures with the MyMusicScores community.
