Report: Malcolm Arnold’s Sonatina for Clarinet and Piano (Op. 29)

Why the Arnold Sonatina is a "Must-Play"

Before you download the music, it helps to know why this piece is worth your time. Composed in 1951, the Sonatina encapsulates Arnold’s signature style: a blend of rhythmic drive, jazz influences, and lush, sweeping melodies.

The Clarinet Sonatina holds significant importance in the clarinet repertoire, offering a unique blend of modernity and classicism. This work:

Malcolm Arnold's Sonatina for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 29 (1951) is a virtuosic staple of the clarinet repertoire, frequently featured on advanced exam syllabi like ABRSM and Trinity Grade 8 Performance Guide by Movement

For clarinettists progressing through the upper grades and into early conservatoire repertoire, few pieces command the same blend of respect and trepidation as Sir Malcolm Arnold’s Clarinet Sonatina. Composed in 1951, this two-movement miniature masterwork has become a rite of passage. If you have recently typed the search string "Malcolm Arnold Clarinet Sonatina PDF new" into your browser, you are not alone. Thousands of musicians hunt for a clean, engraved, modern edition of this piece every month.