Songs Without Words

Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) composed the first of his lovely Songs Without Words in 1830. While the entire volume of works for solo piano presents possibilities for transcription, we have chosen to arrange just one of the pieces, Op.19 No.1 in E Major. In this transcription for clarinet and piano, the clarinetist takes the melody line while the pianist plays the remainder of the harmony and moving accompaniment. The key of the original work is maintained, offering the young player challenges of reading in a difficult key, but otherwise the arrangement is quite accessible for a student. Thanks to a suggestion from a clarinet teacher and regular customer, we now make the clarinet version of this transcription available with two parts, giving the performer the option of using either B-flat or A clarinet. We assume that many players do not have access to an A clarinet, but for those who do, they will find the key easier, and the rich tone of the instrument well-suited to this piece. No need to choose - we'll throw in both parts when you order!