Etude, Op. 25, No. 7

Alea is pleased to present this fine arrangement by clarinetist Dan McGlaun. While many of Chopin's Etudes for piano are virtuosic pianistic displays, the Op.25 No.7 is marked with a "Lento" tempo marking and is familiar for its beautiful left-hand piano melody. McGlaun's arrangement gives this melody to the bass clarinet, while the piano provides a simple accompaniment. This arrangement provides the bass clarinetist with a beautiful recital piece, utilizing the full range of the instrument and providing an excellent challenge in breath and expressive phrasing. The extended range is required only briefly, and the arrangement could certainly be played without an extended range instrument, requiring only a few revisions.