Minus One

Mozart did not make extensive use of the clarinet until comparatively late in his career, but he wrote exquisitely for the instrument, and the two scores dedicated to his friend, Anton Stadlerthe Quintet, KV581 and the Concerto, KV622are among his most beautiful works. Both, incidentally, belong to the final year of his life. The Clarinet Concerto is in the conventional three movements, with music that transcends conventionality in its remarkable sense of repose and serenity, and what Bernhard Paumgartner has called 'its incredible warmth of tone, perfect balance and unmatched perfection of style.' The concerto had a tremendous resurgence in popularity with the release of the Academy-Award-winning 1985 film 'Out of Africa,' of which the piece formed a major element. This deluxe 2-CD set includes the concerto in its original key with printed parts for both A and B-flat clarinets, and adds a repitched version for B-flat clarinetists, allowing players of that instrument easier execution plus the ability to learn the same fingerings as the composer's intended A clarinet for performance purposes.

Ludwig Spohr, who created quite a stir when he began conducting with an odd contraption known as a baton, was also one of the best known violinists of his day (i.e., the first half of the nineteenth century), and is primarily known today for his concerti and other solo works for the fiddle. That he was also quite adept at writing for other instruments than his own is proved by this C-minor Clarinet Concerto, his first of four such works, and a composition high on wit and solid craftsmanship.

Written for his friend and fellow Mason in Vienna, Anton Stadler, the quintet was completed in September of 1789, this and premiered a few days before Christmas of that year. It is one of Mozart's most perfect accomplishmentsa score of proud serenity, transparent texture and radiant beauty. It is also an example of Mozart's uncanny ability to combine the best parts of chamber music and concerto music. The solo clarinet leads the ensemble but does not subjugate it. There is an infinite variety of interplay between the performing partners, and all five instruments undertake the virtuoso's role at one time or another. 'The result,' says Homer Ulrich, 'is a piece of music whose charm and delicacy are difficult to duplicate in the literature of strings and winds.' This deluxe 2-CD set includes the quintet in its original key with printed parts for both A and B-flat clarinets, and adds a repitched version for B-flat clarinetists, allowing players of that instrument easier execution plus the ability to learn the same fingerings as the composer's intended A clarinet for performance purposes.

Brahms' magnificent B-minor Clarinet Quintet is one of the summits of the chamber repertoire for clarinet. It is in many ways an homage to Mozart's classic quintet for clarinet. Not to be overlooked by any serious clarinetist. This deluxe 2-CD set includes the quintet in its original key with printed parts for both A and B-flat clarinets, and adds a repitched version for B-flat clarinetists, allowing players of that instrument to learn the same fingerings as the composer's intended A clarinet for performance purposes.

Favorites of clarinetists and pinnacles of the repertoire, these two sonatas are always popular on recital programs everywhere. Hear the piece performed by American virtuosoJerome Bunke, then you play them again with his accompanist. Presented here in the original key with printed parts for B-flat clarinets, this 2-CD set includes complete reference performance, piano accompaniments, plus a slow-tempo practice version of the accompaniments to help you as you learn the piece!

These three long-form duets by Spanish classical guitar master Fernando Sor are a boon to every guitarist. Beautifully crafted melodies artfully orchestrated between the two guitars, and a technical approachability for all intemediate-level guitarists makes these a must-have. The three works presented here all come from the late 1820s and 1830s. The Divertissement is in three-movement form, whereas both LEncouragement and Souvenir de Russie take the form of an introduction followed by a theme with variations, capped off with a dance-like finale. Both of these pieces, originally intended for the amateur musician, feature very approachable parts technically, with the primo part providing the main melody. Though not as exotic in flavor as one would expect from the title, Souvenir de Russie nevertheless shows influences from Sors sojourn in Moscow from 1823-1826. This piece is unusual in featuring a rich secondo part which complements the primo part to create very complex sound, as opposed to the more traditional soloist/accompanist format. This Music Minus One edition presents a sparkling performance of these duets from virtuosi Christian Reichert and Beata B?dkowska-Huang. Listen to their technique, either from the combined recording or from one of the solo parts presented separately; then you join either Mr. Reichert or Ms. B?dkowska-Huang to make your own beautiful music! Featuring music for players of nearly all levels, every guitarist will revel in a celebration of the classical guitar at its zenith.

A stupendous collection of 17th- and 18th-century pieces for trumpet and pipe organincludes some of the most famous works by Hndel, Purcell, Mozart and othersmagnificent is the word! Provides a rare opportunity to have a huge pipe organ accompaniment at your beck and call, and includes B-flat parts for all compositions, plus special transposed versions of select pieces for C trumpet. This highly praised album includes extensive performance suggestions that provide a veritable treasure trove to trumpeters everywhere!

This extraordinary Music Minus One collection of ragtime classics, arranged for flute and piano, provides a unique opportunity for flutists of varying technical abilities to explore one of the greatest original American musical formsragtimepresented by flute-and-piano duo Anne and Jeff Barnhart, who have given new life to a spectacular collection of time-honored rags, while remaining true to the composers original intentions and the spirit of the rag genre. This new digital recording includes complete versions of each rag for reference and listening pleasure, followed by accompaniment versions minus the soloist for a performance opportunity that any flutist will love. The newly engraved solo part is presented on luxurious acid-free natural/ivory paper stock. Both professional and student flutists will desire this splendiferous edition containing some of the most sought-after pieces in the ragtime genre, for its lively and authentic performances, sonic clarity and carefully arranged solo part. Presented in MMOs new bound-in book format with beautiful glossy cover, flap-protected compact disc, and fascinating historical notes.

Twenty-seven familiar international world classics for alto sax with the great Harriet Wingreen providing your piano accompaniment. Perfect practice material for the intermediate player.

Twenty-seven familiar international classics for clarinet and piano. Perfect practice material for the intermediate player.