Canzonetta - Clarinet and Piano

Gabriel Pierné (1863-1937) was a French composer, conductor and organist. Despite being predominantly remembered as a conductor, his Canzonetta remains a recognised piece in the clarinet repertoire.

Pierné studied at the Paris Conservatoire before taking up the position of chief conductor for the concert series, Concerts Colonne in 1910. He remained in the post until 1933, and during this time, he notably conducted the world premiere of Igor Stravinsky's The Firebird.

Pierné composed for a variety of instruments, Canzonetta for clarinet with piano accompaniment being one of four solo works by the composer. This Pierné piece for Clarinet contains many characteristics typical of the French style, such as lyrical melodies, a significant number of performance directions, flourishes of semiquavers, chromaticism and many changes in dynamics.