Why Transcribe?
Transcription gives us the opportunity to reimagine a piece for modern audiences, present a piece in a different setting, expand the repertoire for any instrumentation or voice, and fill gaps in pedagogical materials. For me, transcription also presents an opportunity to be creative in a way separate from the art of actively performing. Drawing on my years of experience as a performing clarinetist, teacher and music theorist, I take great enjoyment in transcribing music for for clarinet as a solo instrument and in chamber music settings. I have begun to make some of these transcriptions available through Alea Publishing.
Published transcriptions
Johann Sebastian Bach: 100 Chorales for Clarinet Quartet/Clarinet Choir
This collection features four chorales in each of the major and minor keys in addition to four longer chorales at the end of the collection, drawn from the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and transcribed for a quartet of three B-flat clarinets and one bass clarinet. A low C bass is desirable for some chorales, but by no means essential: necessary octave displacements are indicated in parentheses. The final four chorales are especially suitable for concert performance due to their longer duration. In selecting chorales for inclusion in this collection, I sought to include as much variety in meter, form and texture as possible.
Numerous auxiliary parts are available: e-flat clarinet, alto clarinet, basset horn, contralto clarinet, and contrabass clarinet. These parts can be used to create a more diverse clarinet quartet and address issues unique to these auxiliary clarinets in an ensemble setting, or expand these clarinet quartet transcriptions into versions for full clarinet choir.
“David Cook’s 100 Chorales from the Music of J.S. Bach is a wonderful addition to the clarinet ensemble repertoire … this collection can fit any size clarinet ensemble, allow for growth, and facilitate improving technical and musical elements. This collection is a must-have for any clarinet studio, high school, college, or community group.”
David Deiter, Clarinetist with the Salina Symphony
“This compilation is an excellent collection that would be useful for any high school or college music program. They are beneficial to developing those skills that will result in a well-rounded musician.”
Lori Ardovino, Professor of Clarinet and Saxophone and Chair of Music at the University of Montevallo
Amy Beach: Three Compositions for clarinet or bass clarinet and piano, Op. 40
“… this is a beautiful set, skillfully arranged by Dr. Cook. I would program this work on a recital as I’m sure many other professional clarinetists would.”
Lori Ardovino, Professor of Clarinet and Saxophone and Chair of Music at the University of Montevallo
“… the 9-minute collection is charming and would make a lovely addition to a clarinetist’s library, particularly for a performer searching for a relatively short, harmonically lush, 19th-century recital work.”
Lacey Golaszewski, Adjunct Lecturer at SUNY Fredonia
Want a piece transcribed?
Send me an email at davidycook1@gmail.com with more information regarding the nature of your project so we can discuss details, timeline, financial arrangements, etc.