Clarinet music : Repertoire : Australian Music Centre

Clarinet music

Australian music for clarinet

The evolution of composition in Australia has been reflected in the writing for the clarinet. From works by Miriam Hyde and Margaret Sutherland which highlight the clarinet’s ability to perform legato melodic phrasing to more recent compositions that explore new and extended techniques as well as live electronics and loop pedals. The clarinet can be played by musicians of all levels of ability which makes it one of the most accessible instruments to learn. Australian composers have written for the clarinet in a solo or chamber ensemble context as well as part of major works for wind ensembles, big bands, jazz ensembles and orchestras. There is also a rich tradition of Australian composer/performers who have written for the instrument and performed their own compositions, including Paul Dean, Brigid Burke and Mark Walton.

Representative works

	Work	Notes
	Composition with yellow lines (2007) by Stuart Greenbaum	A lyrical miniature for clarinet and piano timed at approximately 2 minutes long. Requires some good counting skills with the frequent changing time signatures. Suitable for an intermediate student around AMEB Grade 5/6 or an HSC Music 1 or 2 candidate.
	Sonata for clarinet or viola and piano (1949) by Margaret Sutherland	This sonata is in one continuous movement, requiring an expressive approach, with fluent leaps, and crisp staccato. The harmonic language is rewarding, and the interplay between clarinet and piano requires good ensemble skills. The piece is on the AMEB A.Mus.A syllabus.
	As small birds play (2011) by Corrina Bonshek	A meditative work for clarinet or bass clarinet, this piece also comes with a precorded bird call part which is recommended. Of medium difficulty, the piece sits in a comfortable range, and would suit an AMEB grade 6 or 7 student. Good to expose students to different approaches to composition and performance.
	Nintendo music (2005) by Matthew Hindson	For A clarinet and piano, this work is a homage to the 1980's video game. A showpiece with some challenging technical passages, excellent fingers and control across the instrument is required. Suitable for an AMEB A.MusA level or university student.
	Ruins within (1993) by Chris Dench	Complexist work incorporating microtonal harmony, and advanced rhythmic understanding. Suitable for a postgraduate performer looking for challenging Australian repertoire, or a composer looking to explore the sonic capabilities of the instrument.
	Whisper and speak (2004) by Brigid Burke	On certificate of Performance A.M.E.B syllabus. One of many works from the considerable output of the Melbourne clarinettist. Employs some basic multiphonics. Good length for HSC at approximately 4 minutes.
	After Before : Provenance Fantasia (2017) by Linda Kouvaras	The meandering structure of this work alludes to the creative process as one's influences ebb and flow, rise and recede, fade and return and combine into newly-hued aggregates.
	After the kingfisher's wing (2010) by Erik Griswold	A 24 minute work, inspired by the poetry of T.S. Eliot.
	Animalia (2017) by Natalie Williams	This suite is intended as a collection of works that highlights the relationship between pets and their owners.
	Bellbirds (2024) by Troy Russell	For flute, clarinet and cello. This work is of medium difficulty.
	Bend/Boogie/Break (2018) by Holly Harrison	Inspiration is drawn from post-rock, funk, and honky-tonk piano, as well as the overarching idea of warping vinyl and things 'going wrong' - perhaps bent out of shape, broken, or not quite right.
	Burlesque Suite (2021) by Ben Hoadley	An exploration of the 1920's cabaret scene.
	The Innocents (2023) by David Banney	Ideal for medium to advanced players, and excellent as a work for HSC students.
	Clarinet Concerto: Échappsodie (2022) by Alice Chance	A cheeky, rebellious response to Debussy's Premiere Rhapsodie. It uses wrong notes on purpose, steals motifs and stretches them, flips them upside-down and escapes with them into outer space.
	Clarinet Quartet (2023) by John Polglase	A four-movement work of advanced difficulty.
	Dawn Searching (2014) by Nick Russoniello	Haunting and lyrical, this work is inspired by bird song and showcases the beautiful tone colour of the soprano saxophone.