Looking for a real showstopper for your clarinet and a fantastic piece for your ensemble? We've got just the thing. André Messager's Solo de concours is a glittering gem of the French repertoire, and we've given it the full string orchestra treatment it deserves. Forget the standard piano reduction—this is a chance to give your soloists and their string section a true stage presence. Warning: may cause your audience to applaud before the final note has even sounded!
Composed in 1899, Solo de concours was originally a "contest piece" for the clarinet students at the prestigious Paris Conservatoire. These pieces were designed to be both musically expressive and technically demanding, pushing the limits of a player's virtuosity. Messager, a master of operetta and light opera, poured all his theatrical flair into this work, creating a piece that’s by turns witty, lyrical, and breathtakingly virtuosic.
Our new edition takes this vibrant original and elevates it, replacing the piano accompaniment with a rich, full-bodied string orchestra score. It’s an arrangement that lets the clarinet soloist truly soar, giving the work a concert hall feel without the need for a full wind section. We’ve meticulously engraved the score and parts for ultimate clarity, so you can spend less time squinting and more time making music. It’s a rewarding challenge that’s perfect for a recital or a special concert.
Key Features:
- Instrumentation: Solo Clarinet in B-flat with String Orchestra
- Difficulty: Advanced/Concert level. It's a "showpiece" for a reason!
- Arranger/Editor: Meticulously arranged and edited for clarity by Paul Wood.
- Format: High-quality PDF for instant download and printing.
- Fidelity: Respectfully adapted from the original clarinet and piano score, retaining every brilliant flourish and melodic contour..
Why It Matters
Messager's Solo de concours is a wonderful example of the French tradition of writing for wind instruments. By performing this piece, you’re not only showcasing the technical brilliance of the clarinet, but you're also bringing a piece of the Paris Conservatoire's rich history to life. This arrangement allows a whole new generation of ensembles to discover and perform this spectacular work. We believe that great music deserves to be heard, and we can’t wait to hear how you bring this piece to life!
Closing Note
Perfect for a recital encore, an advanced student's concerto performance, or as the centerpiece of a concert programme. We'd love to see a video of your performance—tag us on social media and share your success with the community!
