The search for is a testament to the work's immense popularity. It has become a rite of passage for advanced clarinetists, akin to playing the Debussy Première Rhapsodie or the Copland Concerto.
His unique background allows him to blend traditional classical forms with the epic, narrative qualities of Hollywood film scores. This crossover style gives his Clarinet Concertos (both No. 1 and No. 2) an instant accessibility and dramatic flair that captivates both performers and audiences. Overview of Clarinet Concerto No. 2
Development section: Navarro treats motives through fragmentation, sequence, and modulation. A notable cadenza (written out, not improvised) occupies the center of the movement, requiring multiphonics, pitch bends, and flutter‑tonguing — extended techniques used for expressive, not merely acrobatic, effect. The recapitulation brings back both themes in altered keys, leading to a coda that accelerates to a powerful poco a poco accelerando .
Navarro composed the concerto for clarinet and symphonic band, though a piano reduction exists for rehearsal. The work was commissioned by a consortium of ensembles and premiered in Valencia, Spain. As a performer himself (Navarro studied clarinet at the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Valencia and later composition in Los Angeles), he writes idiomatically for the instrument, exploiting its full range from the low E to altissimo register. The piece is dedicated to his teacher and mentor, reflecting the Spanish tradition of música de banda (band music) which Navarro elevates to concert hall status.
Oscar Navarro’s Clarinet Concerto No. 2 is a rewarding challenge that allows clarinetists to display both their technical prowess and their storytelling ability. By breaking down the complex rhythms, mastering the altissimo passages, and working from a legitimate edition of the score, you can deliver a compelling performance of this contemporary masterpiece. To help you get started with your preparation, tell me:
Scored in B minor (relative minor of the first movement’s D major tonality), this movement resembles a slow zapateado or a sorrowful toná . The clarinet sings a long, meandering melody over pulsating bass clarinet and low reeds. Navarro employs tempo rubato and frequent metrical changes (3/4, 4/4, 5/8) to evoke natural speech rhythm. Midway, a contrasting più mosso section in the parallel major offers a moment of respite, but the original mournful character returns. The movement closes with the clarinet fading to a high pianissimo B — a haunting effect.
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Oscar Navarro’s Clarinet Concerto is a tour de force that rewards the performer's technical dedication with immense audience appeal. By blending the dramatic flair of a film score with the intricate demands of a classical concerto, it has earned a permanent place in the modern clarinet canon. When preparing to learn this monumental work, investing in a legitimate, authorized PDF or print score from the official publisher is the first step toward delivering a masterful, professional performance.
The piece opens with an atmospheric, almost mysterious introduction. The orchestra or wind ensemble lays down a lush, cinematic texture before the soloist enters. The initial clarinet statements are highly expressive, characterized by wide dynamic ranges and expansive intervallic leaps. Here, the clarinet showcases its warm, singing tone ( voce ) and liquid legato, gradually building tension through rising chromatic lines. 2. The Spanish Flamenco and Dance Section