Concertos - whether featuring a single soloist or multiple - are an important element of the prolific catalog of the Italian Baroque composer Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741). This concerto, originally for two cellos and strings, is very effective in transcription for two bass clarinets and piano. We have maintained the original key of G minor, placing the bass clarinetists in the comfortable A minor. Extended-range instruments are required, but only for a few occasions within the work; with a few minor edits, the work could be performed with instruments without the low-C extension.

Individual movements or the complete work would make an excellent choice for recital, contest, or audition for students of all ages. The work offers the bass clarinetist excellent challenges of building range, technique, and breath control, as well as an opportunity to perform the work of a master composer of the Baroque period. Because of the close counterpoint between the two solo parts, there are also excellent challenges for intonation and careful phrasing. As was common for works of this period, the composer provided very little direction in terms of dynamics or articulation; we have maintained the composer's original markings, therefore leaving some decisions to the discretion of the performer.

Extended-range instruments required. Piano score: 22 pages, spiral bound; Parts: 4 pages each, booklet format.

Listen to the work in its original instrumentation:

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