Introduction, Theme and Variations

Although Gioacchino Rossini is mostly known for his operas, he composed a variety of other works in different genres during his lifetime, including some sacred music, art songs, and this "Introduction, Theme and Variations" for clarinet and orchestra. Composed when he was only 18 years old, the boisterous opening resembles that of one of his opera overtures, an effort to get the attention of the audience. A melodious introduction and cadenza leads way to the primary theme of the piece, from which Rossini derives five fantastic and virtuosic variations. In this arrangement, the solo clarinet part is identical to that of the orchestral version, while the clarinet choir provides the accompaniment underneath.