Uploaded August 2014 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Wanted to record something before school starts, and it's looking increasingly likely that I won't be able to finish my two planned covers ahahaha orz So, I decided to record a few practice (or rather, noodling at speeds higher than I can handle) sessions. There are a lot of hiccups, but at least I can now hear which parts really need work.
It's always fun to just rip the hell out of some pieces, but you should never, EVER make this a regular habit. Do as I say and not as I do--use a metronome and go slow :D
Threw in some scrolling scores for your viewing pleasure this time!
With selections from:
0:00 - Louis Spohr - Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in C minor, Op. 26 (mvt. 1)
It's pretty surprising for a dude who played the violin to write up four clarinet concertos. All of which are insanely difficult, and as one would expect from a violinist, are all filled with ridiculous passages that might be alright on violin, but are brutally awkward for clarinet. The editor even basically says "yeah we both know you won't sound good playing this, so here's an easier alternative" at numerous spots. But where's the fun in that? :)
4:29 - Claude Debussy - Premiere Rhapsodie
There's less fireworks in this one, but the real challenge lies with the breath control (which I obviously lack) required to play super high and super soft for an extended period. Although that's not to say it doesn't have a fair amount of nightmarish technical parts as well. Among the most challenging pieces of clarinet repertoire, and definitely one of the most beautiful too.
11:43 - Luigi Bassi - Concert Fantasia on Motives from "Rigoletto"
Basically, an Italian clarinetist from the opera one day said "hey Mario, look at me, I can play a billion notes per second!" and came up with this thing. Scales and arpeggios galore. I don't think it's even possible to play this without circular breathing (or having huge lungs), but what are extended clarinet techniques :s
And if you actually read/listened through all of that, props to you! ^_^
Shout out to IMSLP for providing us with such a huge free library of scores. Don't think I've ever spent even a penny on sheet music :)
Wanted to record something before school starts, and it's looking increasingly likely that I won't be able to finish my two planned covers ahahaha orz So, I decided to record a few practice (or rather, noodling at speeds higher than I can handle) sessions. There are a lot of hiccups, but at least I can now hear which parts really need work.
It's always fun to just rip the hell out of some pieces, but you should never, EVER make this a regular habit. Do as I say and not as I do--use a metronome and go slow :D
Threw in some scrolling scores for your viewing pleasure this time!
With selections from:
0:00 - Louis Spohr - Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in C minor, Op. 26 (mvt. 1)
It's pretty surprising for a dude who played the violin to write up four clarinet concertos. All of which are insanely difficult, and as one would expect from a violinist, are all filled with ridiculous passages that might be alright on violin, but are brutally awkward for clarinet. The editor even basically says "yeah we both know you won't sound good playing this, so here's an easier alternative" at numerous spots. But where's the fun in that? :)
4:29 - Claude Debussy - Premiere Rhapsodie
There's less fireworks in this one, but the real challenge lies with the breath control (which I obviously lack) required to play super high and super soft for an extended period. Although that's not to say it doesn't have a fair amount of nightmarish technical parts as well. Among the most challenging pieces of clarinet repertoire, and definitely one of the most beautiful too.
11:43 - Luigi Bassi - Concert Fantasia on Motives from "Rigoletto"
Basically, an Italian clarinetist from the opera one day said "hey Mario, look at me, I can play a billion notes per second!" and came up with this thing. Scales and arpeggios galore. I don't think it's even possible to play this without circular breathing (or having huge lungs), but what are extended clarinet techniques :s
And if you actually read/listened through all of that, props to you! ^_^
Shout out to IMSLP for providing us with such a huge free library of scores. Don't think I've ever spent even a penny on sheet music :)
![[Angel Beats] - Alchemy (clarinet cover)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/UumxXZyfZG0/mqdefault.jpg "[Angel Beats] - Alchemy (clarinet cover)
Badass song calls for a badass cover ^ ^. Seriously though, this has gotta be the best GirlDeMo song. I loved the animation, the circumstances in which it was played, Iwasawas mellow voice... everything about this one is awesome!
This ones also done by ear, so theres no sheets. It was much harder to do than Brave Song due to the jarring key changes between Eb, C and Db (clarinet keys F D and Eb for those wanting to learn), but Im familiar enough with the song to be able to get it after a few plays.
Enjoy!")
