Robert Burns Suite for Clarinet Quartet by Hugh Levey Clarinet Quartet - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.937288

Clarinet Quartet - 3 x Bb Clarinets and Bass Clarinet (or 4th Bb Clarinet)

The Robert Burns Suite for Clarinet Quartet by Hugh Levey is a four movement work, based on the well-known Burns’ songs;  

The movements can be played separately but are presented here as a suite, with a suggested order. Movement 1 begins with a stately ‘classical’ arrangement of My Love She’s But a Lassie Yet, but as it develops the tune combines with another traditional melody, followed by some operatic quotations, and a fugue. It ends with an embellished restatement of the opening.

Movement 2 opens with gentle chords that accompany the simple yet beautiful melody of Ye Banks and Braes. In the middle section, the Bass Clarinet takes the lead with Clarinet 2 playing a counter melody. They are joined by the Clarinet 3 and Clarinet 1 playing the same two musical lines in canon with them. Clarinet 1 resumes the melody in verse 3 with slightly altered chordal accompaniment.

Movement 3 begins with Clarinet 1 and the Bass Clarinet playing the tune and bass line, almost exactly as they appeared in The Scots Musical Museum, published by James Johnson & Co  between 1787 and 1803. The other instruments all get the opportunity to play the melodic line in the ensuing 5 verses, as the arrangement gets more complex and fun. The composer makes great use of the tritone; or "devil’s interval" as it is often known because of its unsettling presence. However, in this arrangement it merely adds to the fun and excitement.

Movement 4 is a simple arrangement of Auld Lang Syne, in a key that is suitable to accompany solo or community singing. After a short introduction by Clarinet 3, Clarinet 1 and 2 play verse one accompanied by ‘bagpipe’ drones from the other two players. The final verse is in majestic four part harmony to bring a rousing end to this popular Burns song and the suite.

Duration: 9’ to 10’