Nine Short Sonatas and Chaconne

The 9 Short Sonatas and Chaconne by J.B. Boismortier (1691-1755) were originally composed for two 'celli, two bassoons, or two gambas. They are masterfully crafted short pieces for two bass instruments, and are wonderfully effective in transcription for bass clarinet duet. Each Sonata consists of several short dance movements, while the final Chaconne is a bit longer and more challenging. While the work could be performed as a set, each individual Sonata and the Chaconne also stand on their own as valuable pieces for teaching, solo & ensemble, or recital purposes. Boismortier was a French composer of the Baroque era, known for his prolific output of accessible solo and chamber music for various instruments. His compositional language is largely imitative, so that the two duo parts are largely equal in difficulty and range. Original keys have been maintained for the most part, except where decisions were made to transpose for ease of reading. Definitions are provided for Boismortier's French tempo markings.