Duet (from Cantata #78): 2 Clarinets & Keyboard Part(s)

This arrangement captures something genuinely delightful in Bach's output. The spirited character and elegant counterpoint sit perfectly for two clarinets, and David Marlatt's decision to preserve the original B-flat major key creates a naturally idiomatic sound for the instruments rather than forcing transposition. Your students get real Bach without compromise.

Bright, conversational, and surprisingly playful. The interweaving lines feel like two voices in a spirited discussion, graceful and articulate without heaviness. Bach's harmonic language anchors the piece even as the two clarinet voices dart around each other with elegant scale work.

Intermediate clarinet duos ready to explore Baroque counterpoint in an arrangement scaled to their abilities. This piece works for student ensembles in concert settings, chamber music programs, or clarinet studio recitals where both players have solid intonation and rhythmic control.

• Shape the light articulated scale passages with clarity and evenness; these runs should dance rather than rush, maintaining Bach's architectural precision while honoring the piece's lightness.
• Balance the two clarinet lines as equal partners in dialogue. Neither voice should dominate; listen for moments where one line answers or complements the other.
• Work the piano part into your rehearsal from the start. The keyboard provides harmonic foundation and helps both clarinets hear their pitch centers clearly, especially in passages with longer note values.
• Attend to the contrapuntal independence of each line. Even when the clarinets move together rhythmically, each voice follows its own melodic logic.

Pair this with other Baroque arrangements or duets to build a coherent concert segment that showcases the adaptability of Bach's writing across different instruments. It sits well on a mixed chamber program and offers a natural bridge between wind band repertoire and classical chamber music contexts.

• Baroque counterpoint and independent voice leading
• Balanced ensemble playing with equal partnership between two parts
• Clarity and articulation in scalar passage work
• Intonation and blend in sustained harmonic contexts
• Collaboration with keyboard accompaniment