40 Graded Clarinet Duets (Grades 1-5). K.Degg March 2013

 Click on any of the sample pages above to view / print full A4 sized samples

New for April 2013, this invaluable collection of forty original duets provides creative fuel for students and teachers alike. With eight duets of each grade (1 to 5) and with a multitude of styles (ranging from swing, ragtime, contemporary, baroque, ballad, rock and more) it's guaranteed to liven up your learning!

As an additional aid, we introduce 'Eye-nStein' a helpful little icon who appears mainly in the first half of the book. He warns of pontential impending danger ahead; maybe where a specific fingering must be used or a large interval leap. As you learn to think for yourself and look ahead you will see less and less of him.....

 Eye-nStein in action!

We've uploaded 2 audio (digital interpretations) examples of two of the duets from the collection on Soundcloud. Simply click the player below or click here (The Witching hour, from the grade 2 section) and here (Variations on a Celtic theme, from the grade 5 section) if your device cannot access the Soundcloud player below.

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Review of 40 Graded saxophone Duets (grades 1-5) in the Clarinet & Saxophone Society of Great Britain's magazine

"These 40 duets are progressive and divided into five grades of eight duets each. They have been written with the various learning criteria in mind. The same pieces are used for both clarinet and saxophone (books) but in suitable keys and ranges for each instrument. The saxophone book comes with a separate booklet with part two for tenor saxophone.

Duets are varying lengths and represent a range of styles. Ensemble skills are also considered with Clarinet one and two being equal throughout, sharing the melody and accompanying equally, although saxophone two generally takes the lower line. titles are imaginitive with some suggesting a style (In the presence of the King, Cool cat), while others focus on rhythm (I've got the last word; crotchet, two quavers, crotchet, crotchet). Folk styles come in the form of Chinese whispers and Variations on a Celtic theme and technique comes in Pinky Time, for little fingers. Each duet is well written and has a short blurb with a little background and suggestions of what to listen for and work on. 

Throughout the first 20 duets, Degg adds a pair of eyes (known as 'Eye-n-Stein'!) at places where extra thought may be needed. It could be a less common fingering, or a rest or key change, or a long note where the other part is moving. I had varied success with Eye-n-Stein on pupils as some ignored the symbol and others got distracted by the cute eyes but it provided a talking point.

This is an excellent collection and should have pieces of interest for everyone. Suitable for players from grades one to five and above, and recommended for teachers as a handy resource for sight reading and ensemble work in lessons".

Stephanie Reeve.