A Transcription of Rebecca Clarke’s Sonata for Viola and Piano for Clarinet and Piano by Johnathan Christian Robinson

Throughout centuries of great classical music, many clarinet compositions have been adapted from a wealth of literature for string instruments and instruments of similar ranges. Viola, violin, and cello literature can often be adapted into challenging literature for the clarinet. While the works of English composer and violist, Rebecca Clarke (1886-1979), have gained popularity in the early 2000s, many of her compositions have yet to be discovered by musicians performing on wind instruments of similar ranges.

While legendary western composers such as Mozart, Weber, and Brahms, will continue to be enduring icons in classic clarinet literature, performers and educators alike should always consider the integration of transcribed works for the expansion and diversity of the repertoire. Although a sizeable amount of literature for clarinet is contained in orchestral and chamber works of the late-Romantic era, the availability of solo clarinet literature in this style is lacking. The purpose of the project is the addition of Rebecca Clarke’s 1919 Viola Sonata for B-flat soprano clarinet and piano to the solo clarinet repertoire. The transcription preserves the integrity of the original music while exploring the virtuosic nature of the clarinet and its interaction with the piano. Comments on the historical background of Clarke’s Viola Sonata and the transcription procedures are provided as well.