How does Weber's clarinet concerto no 1 and Rose etudes compare to Mozart's concerto in terms of difficulty?

Question

Hey,

I can play Mozart's clarinet concerto, even though it is still quite difficult. I am thinking about buying Rose's etudes for clarinet or Weber's concerto no 1. How difficult are they in comparison to Mozart?

Answer 1

The Mozart and the Weber Clarinet Concertino are of comparable difficulties.  

They are from different periods, but the technical demands are similar... as is the range.  I believe both go from low "E" (3 ledger lines below the staff) to altissimo "A" (4 ledger lines above the staff).

Most colleges require one or the other (or BOTH!) for their entrance auditions, and you will be playing one or both during your first year or two of college as solo repetoire.

Same can be said of the C. Rose Etudes... colleges really like numbers 11 and 13... one shows how fast your fingers can fly and they watch articulation, the other is slow and melodic so they look for accurate timing, musicality, and phrasing.  High school honor bands (All State) are also fond of using the C Rose Etudes and C Rose 32 Studies for their audition repetoire.

The only difference between the Mozart and the Weber really are stylistic (you don't play the 8th notes the same way, obviously)... and I find that my embouchure doesn't get as tired as early on the Mozart... either one is a test of your endurance! LOL

So go ahead and buy both the Weber AND the C Rose... you'll need them at some point down the line, and it wouldn't hurt to get a head start!  And if you just play for yourself and are trying to push your skills, either one would be great.  I think the current edition of the Weber also has an accompaniment CD... but beware- the piano player for the  6/8 section at the end was on crack... it is supposed to be fast, but, well... wow.  You'll see what I mean! ;)

Hope this helped, and have fun!

EDIT: For both the Mozart AND the Weber, make sure you are working with a private teacher.  There is a very specific articulation for the Mozart that isn't usually written in (especially in the Rondo section), and there is a Cadenza in the Weber piece that I have actually never seen in published form, but it is VERY well known... the current publication has rests or whole notes or some malarchy, but if you use it to audition for anything, the judges are going to be waiting for a cadenza that will never come.  Get a private teacher that can help you out with the finer points and style.