Clarissimo – Latin' clarinet ballad' 3

Clarissimo – Latin' clarinet ballad' is a collection of original compositions of great rhythmic variety based on a wide array of traditional and popular Latin-American and Caribbean music. These compositions with their swaying rhythms are of great pedagogical interest for student and teacher alike.

In accordance with traditional oral transmission practice, teachers and students are invited to make use of the accompanying CD in order to memorize the music through actice listening, singing etc. Playing along with the playback soundtrack, with / without the written material, will help control and improve perfect sync.

The melodies in Volume 3 are more elaborate, drawing on complex typical Latino-American rhythms (syncopations, accent shifts, irregular beat counts). A strong, stable inner feeling for the beat is required for adequate performance. As a preparatory exercise, we suggest tapping the beat with the foot (alternate right and left) and clapping the written rhythmic motives.

In a second phase, the student can play the theme sequences on the clarinet while keeping the foot-tapping element (first slowly then up to tempo). The suggested articulations are by no means binding. The accompanying playback CD gives precise indications on the specific character & rhythm of each piece.