Melanie Thorne

A lively quartet written in a jazz style rondo form. (Grade 5-8)

[3 B♭/Bass B♭]

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Claude Debussy ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

The three works in this arrangement are contrasting, and are perhaps not as well-known as some of Debussy’s other works.  The first Minstrels was written in the years just before WW1, and the many changes of tempi and mood provide interest for both the performers and audiences.  The second piece Le Petit Berger is a relaxed reflective piece, exploring the sonorities of the instruments.  The final piece Danse Bohémienne is a very lively composition that was written in 1880 whilst Debussy lived in Russia, and the dance-like elements were influenced through the vitality of some Polish dances. (Grade 6-8)

[E♭ orB♭/B♭/B♭ or Alto E♭/Bs B♭]

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Melanie Thorne

A tango based quartet including many different styles. (Grade 5-8)

[3 B♭/Bass B♭]

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J S Bach ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

An arrangement of the Air from Bach’s Suite No. 3 in D. A straight opening which then moves into a swing arrangement. (Grade 4-6)

[3 B♭/Bass B♭]

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Melanie Thorne

A Christmas arrangement which includes a variety of styles including swing. The titles in the Medley are: Joy to the World, Good King Wenceslas, Wassail Song and Ding Dong Merrily on High. (Grade 4-6)

[3 B♭/Bass B♭]

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Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

A medley of Christmas favourites including; In Dulce Jubilo,

The Coventry Carol and Deck the Hall. (Grade 4-5)

[3 B♭/Bass B♭]

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Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

This has been arranged to be performed as individual items or as a complete medley.  It includes Once in Royal, The Holly and the Ivy, Silent Night and Ding Dong merrily on High. (Grade 1-3)

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Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

An arrangement of this famous folk tune, incorporating many

popular styles, including a swing-jazz element. (Grade 4-6)

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Trad. ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

This is a new Christmas arrangement.  It includes the following

Christmas titles: Away in a Manger, In Dulci Jubilo, Quem Pastores

and the Sussex Carol.  There are several different styles contained

within this arrangement and all parts have some of the melodic interest.

(Grade 4-6)

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Gioacchino Rossini ~ Arranged by Justin Wildridge

This is an arrangement of the Finale of the ‘William Tell Overture’. (Grade 6-7)

[3 B♭Cl/ Bass B♭Cl]

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Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

A Christmas arrangement of the traditional Carol ‘My Dancing Day’.

These variations include a swing element and a very lively ending! (Grade 5-6)

[3 B♭/Bass B♭]

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Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

A Christmas arrangement of the traditional Carol ‘My Dancing Day’.

These variations include a swing element and a very lively ending! (Grade 5-6)

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Traditional ~ Arranged by Justin Wildridge

A collection of three Christmas Carols arranged by Justin Wildridge;

We Three Kings, Good King Wenceslas and The Sussex Carol. (Grade 4-5)

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Melanie Thorne

A quartet in two movements exploring more jazz styles and rhythms.

(Grade 4-6)

[3 B♭/Bass B♭]

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Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

A set of variations on this well-known tune – includes swing and

hoe-down styles. (Grade 4-5)

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Ludwig van Beethoven ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

A not-so irreverent arrangement of the 1st Movement of Beethoven’s

5th Symphony.  It is very recognisable with some rock-style sections and an interesting Bass Clarinet part. (Grade 6-8)

[3 B♭/Bass B♭]

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George Gershwin ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

‘Lullaby’ by George Gershwin was composed in 1919 and is best known as a string quartet.  This arrangement has been slightly shortened to suit the woodwind ensemble, and although is not too technically demanding in notation, requires secure breath control and intonation through the structure of this one movement work.  It is a very accessible blues piece and is immediately recognizable as a composition by George Gershwin, and through the use of repetition defines the lullaby genre. (Grade 6+)
[3 B♭/Bs B♭]

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Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

An arrangement of three English folk songs in various styles. (Grade 4-6)

[3 B♭/Bass B♭]

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Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

A challenging medley of traditional Irish melodies. (Grade 4-6)

[3 B♭/Bass B♭]

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Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

A challenging medley of traditional Irish melodies. (Grade 4-6)

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Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

One of the latest medleys in the ‘Made in’ series, based on traditional Northumbrian tunes.

(Grade 5-6)

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Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

A medley of Scottish tunes, arranged in many different styles ranging

from the traditional through to jazz. (Grade 5-6)

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Melanie Thorne

Two contrasting movements written in jazz swing style. (Grade 4-6)

[3 B♭/Bass B♭]

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Melanie Thorne

Two contrasting movements written in jazz swing style. (Grade 4-6)

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Melanie Thorne

Nine original quartets for the beginner clarinettist exploring different styles.

(Grade 1)

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Melanie Thorne

Nine further original quartets exploring more styles of performance.

(Grade 1-3)

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Peter Tchaikowsky arranged by Melanie Thorne

An arrangement of five movements of the Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikowsky.  There are several different styles included and a twist from the original for some of them.  There is melodic interest in all four parts.  Grade 6-8

[3 B♭ Cl/ Bs B♭ Cl]

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Niccolo Paganini ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne 

A set of variations on the famous theme by Paganini. (Grade 4-6)

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Melanie Thorne

Three rag-based quartets which would provide excellent material for a concert. The third rag – Boogie Rag – contains some very catchy rhythms

and tunes. (Grade 5-6)

[3 B♭/Bass B♭]

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George Gershwin ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

‘Rialto Ripples’ was composed in 1917 and is George Gershwin’s first published instrumental piece – it is also his only piano rag.  This is a fun piece to play and clearly demonstrates Gershwin’s emerging style. (Grade 5-6)

[3 B♭/Bass B♭]

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Gabriel Fauré ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

An arrangement of the famous Sicilienne by Gabriel Fauré which requires a real understanding of ensemble playing, with interweaving melodic lines and dove-tailing figuration. (Grade 6-8)

[3 B♭/ Bs B♭]

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Melanie Thorne

A quartet consisting of three separate movements, giving each

player a challenge in solo and ensemble playing. (Grade 5-6)

[3 B♭/Bass B♭]

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Melanie Thorne

A quartet consisting of three separate movements, giving each player

a challenge in solo and ensemble playing. (Grade 5-6)

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Melanie Thorne

Two contrasting movements.  The first is a fast and rhythmic movement

with some Latin influence.  The second has more of a bluesy feel and

then progresses into a faster swing-style. (Grade 4-6)

[3 B♭/Bass B♭]

Sample Score

 

Melanie Thorne

A good concert item with plenty of humour. (Grade 4-5)

[3 B♭/Bass B♭]

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Melanie Thorne

A good concert item with plenty of humour. (Grade 4-5)

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Antonín Dvorák arranged by Melanie Thorne

The ‘American’ String Quartet is one of Dvorák’s most famous chamber works and was written in 1893 whilst the composer was working in the United States, and there are many american influences in this composition.  This arrangement is not without challenges for the clarinet quartet, but the style and character of the original have been carefully maintained.  The duration is approximately 26 minutes.  (Grade 7-8+)

[E♭ or B♭/B♭/B♭ or Alto E♭/Bs B♭]

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G F Handel ~ arranged by Melanie Thorne
This is an arrangement of the famous ‘Entrance of the Queen of Sheba’ from Solomon.  It is not always faithful to the original as it is not just a transcription and has been slightly shortened to make it playable for wind instruments.  The 4th part also gives the work a sense of direction through the varying bass line, and provides interest, rather than just harmonic support, for the bass clarinet player. (Grade 7-8)
[3 B♭ Cl/ 1 Bs B♭ Cl]

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J.S. Bach ~ arranged by Melanie Thorne

Unlike the other keyboard Toccatas, BWV 916 is clearly in 3 movements and the first movement is an ideal opener for concerts.  It alternates ritornello and tutti sections, and this arrangement (not totally a transcription) works well for the clarinet ensemble.  Although there are some passages that are not identical to the original, the harmonic profile of the original has been retained. (Grade 6-8) [E♭ or B♭/B♭/B♭ or Alto E♭/Bs B♭]

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Howard Blake ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

A good concert item, not only for the Christmas period. (Grade 4-5)

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Melanie Thorne

A fun, jazzy quartet.  Good for counting and jazz ensemble playing.

(Grade 4-6)

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