Concert Piece No. 1 (Konzertstuck) in F minor, Op. 113 [arrangement]: Nonet, Solo Woodwind(s) with Ensemble, Conductor Score & Parts

Mendelssohn's Concert Piece No. 1 deserves a place in your repertoire precisely because it rewards both soloists and ensemble players with music that balances technical display against sustained lyricism. The addition of two contrasting solo voices (clarinet and basset horn) gives your wind ensemble a rare opportunity to feature unusual doublings while maintaining the elegance and structural clarity that define Mendelssohn's style.

The music unfolds with Romantic elegance and introspection, moving between moments of gentle lyricism and spirited passagework. The basset horn's warm, woody tone blends beautifully with the clarinet's brightness, creating an intimate dialogue that the wind septet frames with warmth and clarity.

This arrangement suits accomplished chamber ensembles and advanced wind groups with strong clarinet and basset horn players who can navigate both the virtuosic passages and the sustained singing lines. It is equally valuable for conductors seeking sophisticated repertoire that showcases instrumental color and balance without requiring a large ensemble.

• Establish a clear leadership between your two soloists from the first rehearsal. The clarinet and basset horn should breathe together and shape phrases as a unified voice, even when they're trading material or moving in counterpoint.
• Balance the solo writing against the wind septet so that the ensemble provides harmonic and textural support without overwhelming the soloists. The wind players should listen constantly to the solo line.
• Pay attention to articulation consistency across the ensemble. Mendelssohn's style depends on clean, precise tonguing that propels the music forward without heaviness.

Program this as a featured chamber work on a concert built around wind ensemble repertoire, or use it as a centerpiece for a program exploring Mendelssohn's instrumental writing. The nonet format makes it an excellent bridge between full band works and smaller chamber pieces on a varied concert.

• Balance and blend between solo voices and ensemble accompaniment
• Articulation and phrasing in Romantic-era chamber music
• Collaborative listening and ensemble awareness in smaller formations
• Navigating technical passages while maintaining lyrical expression
• Performing with basset horn and understanding its unique tonal qualities