Jeanjean Arabesques for Clarinet and String Orchestra

Jeanjean's Arabesques is a short, stylish solo from 1926, written in the light, fleet-footed style of French salon music from the Belle Époque period: cascading scales, a lyrical central section, and a driving rhythmic energy throughout. This arrangement by Paul Wood replaces the original piano accompaniment with a string orchestra part, giving the piece the character of a miniature concerto rather than a duo.

The solo part is preserved intact, and at advanced intermediate to early advanced level it asks for consistent tone across the full range of the clarinet, clean articulation in the faster passages, and a light, stylistically assured French character. The string orchestra adds harmonic colour and rhythmic support, and responds to the solo line in a way that a piano accompaniment can't quite replicate. Jeanjean (1874-1928) was himself a clarinettist and professor, and the piece was frequently used in French conservatoire competitions (concours), which explains both the technical demands and the characteristic flair of the writing.

At five minutes, it works well as a solo feature in a chamber orchestra concert or as a recital piece. The orchestral version carries more presence than the piano original in a larger venue, and the string ensemble texture gives the performance a fuller, more substantial sound.

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 intermediate to early advanced; suitable for diploma-level players
• Duration: approximately 5 minutes
• Style focus: French stylistic lightness, clean articulation, consistent tone across the full range
• Arranger: Paul Wood for MyMusicScores
• Format: PDF download, full score and all parts

Who it's for

Suits an advanced intermediate clarinettist performing in a chamber orchestra concert or competition where a light, stylistically distinctive French solo is needed. Works well for university and conservatoire recitals, and as an alternative to the standard competition repertoire for any player wanting something less frequently heard.