Bach Chromatic Fantasy for solo Clarinet

[@coryblass8953]

Your phrasing is immaculate. The piece flows perfectly, almost as if time bends to your will. Students, take notes. This is a prime example of just what proper dynamics and emoting can do for you.

[@jblinear]

Thank you for your comments!

[@somewont9619]

This isn't a player, it's a programmed clarinet basically.

[@estellapeterson3967]

@@somewont9619 no its a real player you can hear the keys and everything.

[@BuakawtheBest1]

1 percent talent 99 hard work and dedication ! Wonderful maestro !

[@jblinear]

How true! Thanks for your comment.

[@reinaldopinto3802]

Farcas Lucian a

[@nottingham_ChrisAllison]

Nice, not heard this before.. the echo makes it sound very organ like ..cool 😎

[@hannahhh7210]

0 percent talent 100 percent hard work and dedication!

[@DJ-yq1jn]

Farcas Lucian that's wut sheee said

[@savannahroque1637]

I wonder if my band director would let me learn to play this. I feel like I could do it in time. I have been playing the clarinet for years and I absolutely love it!! it sounds amazing.

[@jblinear]

Thanks!

[@reichlinsmall9765]

If you love a tune and think you can play it, *don't wait for permission: LEARN IT!*

[@SolsGarage]

Why would you need permission to learn a piece? Nothing is stopping you!

[@PedroAyalaRafael]

I've been playing for almost 15 years and I find it very very difficult. Also because I don't know how to read music sheets very well, only use my ear.

[@r5t6y12]

My fingers fell off just listening to this piece.......(8^P

[@angelahalls2914]

Recently, my husband sent me an Christian Hillsong Song via tube of a clarinet and piano accompaniment. It's inspired me to pickup my clarinet after over 20 years. I feel very excited to see this piece as it is one I played in high school. It brought back many good memories of practicing my clarinet. Feeling of contentment.

[@Amadea27]

I never knew, Bach could sound like this on the clarinet! woooooow

[@jblinear]

Thank you!

[@ronshields4776]

What a great performance,not easy for Clarinet.

[@jblinear]

Thank you, I appreciate your comment!

[@JoeTigheOnline]

Thanks. Fantastic!!!

[@CrusaderBeach]

Congratulations John on reaching 200,000 views. Keep up the great work. Adrian

[@jblinear]

Thanks!

[@mariahbrewer2292]

why cant I play like that ugh! Beautiful by the way!!

[@jblinear]

+mariah brewer Thanks for your nice comment...and keep having fun playing! John

[@brotherjoe.]

I knew exactly what you were thinking throughout the performance! You're such an excellent player and a wise communicator! Bravo!

[@jblinear]

Thank you!

[@k.i.m._plaz5886]

This is beautiful. I am in middle school and im going to take my time to learn this beautiful piece. Thank you for showing the music sheet as well❤🙏

[@jblinear]

You can do it!

[@ronchevalier2926]

Excellent John Gibson.... I will be picking back up my clarinet after a long time of dormant activity.

[@jblinear]

Thank you for your comment and all the best in picking up your clarinet again! It is worth it!

[@sungod3245]

I’m a beginner in band and I want you to know that was pretty interesting and inspiring for me because I might be able to play that someday. Sounds great by the way!

[@jblinear]

Hello Sun God and thanks for the comment. I started in beginning band just like you. I was able to have private lessons as well and they help if you can get them. All the best in your music life! John

[@lukdeathrage2785]

it takes lots of practice! keep playing and learning scales. Ik it sounds dumb, but it really helps with muscle memory (and easy to identify what note it is specifically). Its my 6th year playing clarinet, and i love teaching others who are new to playing xD yes, notes are difficult to learn, whole notes to 1/16 notes. In time you will get better if you keep practicing! as the old saying goes, “practice makes perfect” :3

[@rohitt5909]

some people who dont play clarinet won't understand how challenging this piece is for clarinet.... bravo!!

[@jblinear]

So true....thanks for your comment!

[@CSRookie]

Really enjoy how you taper off at the end...... nice performance.

[@jblinear]

Thanks for your comment. I am glad you enjoyed it!

[@sidneyrobinson18]

what are some really good clarinet based songs? I'm a clarinetist and I'd like to play some good songs

[@jblinear]

It depends upon what kind of music you like. You could go to clarinetinstitute.com and find lots of fine music there.

[@natekite7532]

It's not a full song, but you should learn the opening solo to Rhapsody in Blue. Most iconic clarinet part.

[@hannahhh7210]

*pieces

[@itstotesmelirn1725]

Sidney Robinson MOZART CLARINET CONCERTO KV 622

[@CSRookie]

The 5 Bagatelles by Finzi are in the style of "songs"..... it's with piano accompaniment

[@lucidfairth1879]

.....wat. I've been playing for a bit over a year, so I'm more amazed by this then most, but WOWWOWOWOWOWOW.

[@racheldebner1955]

I love how this. I would like to play this or something like it on my clarinet sometime.

[@jblinear]

Thank you, and keep up the good work!

[@yeet4744]

This is such good music

[@jblinear]

Thanks! It is hard to go wrong with J. S. Bach.

[@raynaalexander9947]

This is amazing!! Love listening ❤

[@jblinear]

Thanks very much. I am glad you enjoy it.

[@montseventas4718]

absolutely fantastic!

[@jblinear]

Thank you!

[@michaelcalder9089]

Im impressed. What a wonderful work. Your tone and phrasing really matches Bach's musical thought.

[@jblinear]

Hello Michael, thank you for your insightful comments

[@FadeXmd]

Good! I like your transcriptions

[@jblinear]

Дима Малахов Thank you! - John

[@kristingonzalez6065]

Just the inspiration I needed to pick back up the clarinet. This piece seems like such a pleasant challenge I'm gonna give this one a shot, thank you!

[@jblinear]

Wonderful! I hope you enjoy it.

[@chelseal8448]

I’m here because I just watched “Ricordi?” and this was so familiar yet new... I never heard it with a clarinet before. Beautiful.

[@jblinear]

Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed it....and watched the movie, too.

[@ronniewoodsbellmontsounds7045]

Absolutely brilliant!

[@jblinear]

Thank you!

[@philiph8628]

This is absolutely beautiful! I'm currently working on another piece that you transcribed, Bach's Chaconne from Partita II, and I'm absolutely in love with it! Fantastic job!

[@jblinear]

Thank you!

[@rodrigoramos2167]

The piece, your arrangement and your playing, gorgeous.

[@jblinear]

Thank you!

[@christianingebrigtsen9443]

amazing

[@jblinear]

Thanks!

[@kittymeowkitty]

i love how it sounds like there are two clarinets

[@jblinear]

Thanks for your comment.....I assure you there was just one clarinet!

[@JoeTigheOnline]

This is fantastic. Thanks for sharing

[@Free925]

jeez you're so damn good at playing that freaking piece that I kinda was forced to subscribe to your channel.... enjoying listening to your performances, thanks for sharing!

[@jblinear]

Thanks and I hope you listen to the new pieces I put on from time to time

[@HUZAR30]

Extraordinary!

[@jblinear]

+HUZAR30 Thank you

[@breadleymcthicc5444]

Wondering if you use a brand of reed, or you just make your own. Nevertheless, this is an excellent piece, and you are wonderful at playing clarinet.

[@jblinear]

I try different brands, but at the time I used Zonda reeds (3 1/2)....I am back to playing them now, too!

[@breadleymcthicc5444]

John Gibson Nice! I've never used that brand before, but I'll give it a try! Thanks!

[@jimfowler5930]

Nicely done! Thank you.

[@angelcannolis1190]

im planning to play this for a solo and i only have been playing the clarinet for 2 years I can do it well Good luck to me 😀

[@jblinear]

Keep up the good work!

[@Yujaemin]

쩐다... bravo.. you are the best.

[@jblinear]

Thank you!

[@rubenlebron839]

Exelente

[@hascesar]

Awesome!

[@jblinear]

Thank you!

[@beesofbees4017]

Amazing I cant even do the Hey Song but I'm working on it !!

[@jblinear]

Keep up the good work! Thanks

[@RitaColacoNuminous]

This is an example of perfection! Do you think this would sound good on the classical guitar?

[@jblinear]

I have heard many of Bach's pieces played on guitar, so it seems to me that it would sound good. Try it, but use the keyboard version.

[@verycoolpersonguy]

Those jumps are killing me ;_;

[@kristenallred400]

This is awesome!

[@jblinear]

Thank you!

[@RudolfByker]

Bach should have added to the performance notes: "Ha, LOL, this is actually for TWO clarinets" or something like that. Excuse the anachronism.

[@Amadea27]

Or simply something like: GL, HF gg :-D, (this piece is so MODERN, he propably talked like this according to his piece ;-) )

[@christianmolina1981]

How do i get a copy of this piece

[@marchinoful]

very well....

[@jblinear]

Thank you!

[@rubenlebron839]

¿Se podrá conseguir la partitura por pdf?

[@jblinear]

yes! www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/19892428 Thank you! John

[@grazianolopresti9835]

Wonderful! Could I have the score of this piece?

[@jblinear]

Thank you. This piece is available at www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/19892428

[@ivansantiagocoronado4852]

me incanto

[@jblinear]

Thank you!

[@pollyanna3185]

How long did it take you to learn this piece? It’s amazing!

[@jblinear]

Thank you for your comment, Ray. It took me at least two months to prepare to record. It helped that I did the arrangement, so I knew the piece well.

[@EmanuelaVitali]

Wow :-)

[@jblinear]

Thank you for your comment!

[@patriotpatriot937]

very nice bravoo...

[@jblinear]

Thank you

[@hannaholland732]

This is so good :O

[@jblinear]

+Hanna Holland - Thank you!

[@ronshields4776]

How did you keep the tempo so steady on the Chaconne. Great performance.

[@jblinear]

Ron, thanks for your comments. On many of my recordings I have a click track going through my headphones, but for the Chromatic Fantasy I did not since I fell it is to be played in an almost improvisatory way. There were some spots where I had to spend lots of time keeping the tempo even because the music got difficult for a clarinet to play.

[@Clarineat]

My god. Bravo! and 302k views?! We have to get you to a thousand subs so you can monetize your channel. Go go go!

[@jblinear]

Thanks for your comment! Well, I am getting close to 1000 subs and can't wait until I can make some pennies here and there.

[@agibella]

fusas, semifusas, ligaduras, ohhhhhh!!!! My God!!!

[@slnxphile]

ikr

[@ronshields4776]

Do you use circular breathing? You are a rare talent,thanks for sharing.

[@jblinear]

Thanks again, Ron! Circular breathing is not something I have been able to make work for me, so I play as long as I can on a breath and sneak in some quick breaths here and there. One nice thing about studio recording is you can stop recording for a while between musical sections and rest.

[@WetaMantis]

The performance is great, the microphone recording not so much.

[@jblinear]

Thanks for your comment....fortunately I have upgraded my recording gear since 2013.

[@srdrixus]

wow this is amazing, you are a really good clarinetist, I would like to know If you dedicate yourself professionally to something related to the clarinet. I am on my 8th year being a clarinettist and I would like to know what could I do in the future related to the clarinet. Greetings

[@jblinear]

Thank you for your comment, SrDrixus. I have been playing and performing on clarinet for over 60 years, so I at least have lots of experience! Although still playing, I now concentrate on arranging for woodwind ensembles. Congratulations on your 8 years....that is an accomplishment. If you want to keep improving I hope you will find a good private teacher to guide you.

[@SweetBunnyBB]

Is there a download link? I really want to play this. It's beautiful :)

[@MashaBear1001]

I may have been playing for 5 years but holy crap..I would have a crush landing big time if I tried to sight read this. But hey, at least it's f flat.

[@jblinear]

Well, this is not the best piece to sight read. So I have played for over 60 years and it took many hours of practice to play it! Thanks for your comment.

[@damiaovinicios960]

hello friend is to send me this score?

[@jblinear]

+damiao vinicios - Thank you! the score is at www.jwpepper.com/Chromatic-Fantasy-for-Solo-Clarinet/10544590.item#.VjIeIjZdGM8

[@esmeraldamiguel3921]

practicing leads to perfection well done👏 challenge accepted lol

[@jblinear]

+Esmeralda Miguel Go for it!

[@ronshields4776]

Do you use Circular Breathing? Sounds great.

[@jblinear]

There are plenty of times I wished I could, but circular breathing is a technique I could not make work for me.

[@ssophoss]

Like it....

[@jblinear]

ssophoss Thank you!

[@seabassmouser]

Impressive , I play clarinet and have so for 10 months in schools now and I cannot even do that !!! XD

[@brookefuller895]

Thats normal, if you can play that within only 10 months your a prodigy! It takes a LOOONG time to learn that!

[@seabassmouser]

I know and I'm also achieving it well with my band teacher , It is hard however .

[@jblinear]

+Sebastian Mouser If it was too easy to do, it probably would not be worthwhile doing. Keep up the good work and have fun playing.

[@seabassmouser]

I know but I am keeping it up .

[@Eorzat]

Make sure to practice ALL your scales (at least the Major ones). Everyday or as close as possible to everyday. It's essential to practice all your scales on any instrument but especially essential for woodwind instruments like clarinet and flute. Trust me, it'll pay off in the next few years.

[@therrrmite6846]

what mouthpiece barrel and ligature are you using?

[@jblinear]

Hello - I use a Gregory Smith 1+ mouthpiece, a standard fabric Rovner ligature, and a Backun standard barrel on a Chadash clarinet -Thanks, John Gibson

[@MrMark28]

beast! thats amazin yo... :)

[@jblinear]

Thanks!

[@erikaceleste638]

❤️🎶

[@anythingandeverything6151]

Oh my god. How long did it take you to refine this?

[@jblinear]

Spartan Lolsies Thanks for your question! There were several places, especially on the 1st two pages that took lots of practice time. Other sections went pretty easily. Thanks for listening.

[@ethanclark2613]

My goal is to play this before I die

[@jblinear]

Thanks for your comment, Ethan. I hope you do get so you can play this. I think it is a wonderful piece with many layers of meaning. I also wish you a long, fruitful life after playing it!!!

[@MienemLeben]

Do you have any classical sheet music for Bass Clarinet? Or Alto Clarinet?

[@jblinear]

Hello. I arrange for woodwind ensembles, so I have many pieces that include bass and alto clarinets....but no solos. Here is a link to my page: www.sheetmusicplus.com/publishers/jb-linear-sheet-music/3001614

[@eckid6292]

Would be nice, if you read the beginning correct in the piano score!

[@jblinear]

Thanks for your comment. If you are referring to the style I played at the very beginning, I listened to many different pianists and chose one to inform my interpretation. If you are referring to the entire beginning portion of the piece, I chose to use Bach's BWV903a version as it better fit the clarinet. Thanks again! John

[@galvanbladeworks5295]

What clarinet do you play? I am currently saving up for a buffet R13

[@jblinear]

+Galvan Bladeworks - I play on a Chadash clarinet which is similar to a Buffet. Also a Gregory Smith mouthpiece. Thanks for listening! - John

[@ernstschliephake522]

wrong note first bar: NO c-sharp at the end of the bar, it should be c to f-sharp.

[@jblinear]

Thank you for the correction! I missed the transposition on that last C of the 1st measure....I had a C# when it should have been C natural (Bb concert pitch). I can see how much more powerful the tritone interval is at the measure's end.

[@ernstschliephake522]

John Gibson greetings from Munich, dear John! Did you see the viola version by William Primrose on Boosey & Hawkes? I love the piano version played by Alexis Weissenberg...I'm at Munich Symphony, also working for Henle publishers...enjoy Henle-Library...

[@memesthemaker8429]

That is a fantasy

[@jblinear]

Thank you for your comment!

[@moonlightparadise2176]

You know how to learn this take your clarinet and put it down then pick up a flute

[@AppleSpar]

Here is another version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpKqhpKnfdJ4nLM

[@JPZ16974]

I think I passed out after that soft E ending... my god that's like ppppppp

[@jblinear]

Bach's piece is quite an adventure. Thanks for your comment

[@JPZ16974]

John Gibson No, no. Thank you for the quality recording and performance, bravo!

[@swxvyrr2933]

jesus Christ. how do you do that

[@jblinear]

It took quite a bit of practice! Thanks for your comment

[@windmillwilly]

Holy guacamole

[@jblinear]

indeed!

[@pianonger]

Google all classical music and obtain it for free through imslp. Greatest resource for musicians. Only restriction is more recent music due to varying copyright laws.

[@k0waibunni]

Yeah, I’m good.

[@Pp-hh3uh]

My solo wish me luck

[@jblinear]

All the best for your solo performance!

[@Pp-hh3uh]

Thanks

[@TheEDub56]

don't waste your time trying to download. It is a maze of hoops to jump through. Now I have to try and get my money back.

[@HarrisonKuettel]

Good, but where's the fugue??? ;)

[@mathersdavid5113]

Odd that Bach never wrote for clarinet, given his love of dark timbres.

[@jblinear]

Thanks for listening! A Bach really did write for clarinet, but it was one of JS Bach's sons who did that later on.

[@jovanpoljakovic6858]

vel dan

[@abel9558]

Pro

[@jblinear]

+Abel Romario Encalada Peña - Thank you

[@trickyfix1666]

Good Job but this sounds like it was made for the organ in mind.

[@jblinear]

Thanks for your comment, Trickyfix. What you said is quite true! The piece was originally written for keyboard, most likely harpsichord and this is a transcription of that. It is certainly not the same, but it also makes a wonderful piece for a solo clarinetist to play.

[@brittanymcmullen5439]

Fantasy? More like nightmare 😂😂 gonna take a lot practice

[@jblinear]

I'm not sure about the nightmare part, but it definitely took me lots of practice! Give it a try

[@SweetBunnyBB]

Never mind lol cx

[@lucasricco528]

I copied every note in PRESTO

[@jblinear]

+Lucas Ricco - I am not real sure what PRESTO is, but there are lots of notes so....well done!

[@matheusladeia1598]

porcaria. estragou uma grande obra.

[@jblinear]

I am sorry you think that, but thank you for your comment.

[@lucille1708]

am I the only one that thinks this doesn't even sound good? not the clarinetist, the piece. idk, it's just super repetitive, and it sounds like someone just playing random notes over and over again.

[@jblinear]

Thank you for your comment about your reaction to Bach's Chromatic Fantasy. Not "getting it" is a perfectly valid way of thinking. When I meet a piece I cannot get my brain around, I know that I must spend some time trying to understand it. You may or may not get a better appreciation by more study, or that appreciation may come years later. But, this piece has been described as "daring, powerful, expressive, brilliant". In it we find that Bach is not always the easy to like church musician, but could compose music with layers and layers of music with a depth that can be hard to absorb. What I suggest to you, Lucille, is to spend some time studying the piece and see what happens. Here is a short starting point: chicagopresents.uchicago.edu/sites/chicagopresents.uchicago.edu/files/Seong-Jin%20Cho_program%20notes.pdf all the best, John Gibson

[@d4vd1436]

Heckin’ no

[@MultiFuckme22]

Dont wanna be that negative guy but holy butchered rythms

[@jblinear]

Hello! In a sense I may be guilty as charged, although I might leave out the word "butchered". While preparing the piece I relied on the definition of fantasy as being not so much bound by form and as being improvisational in character. Bach was well known for his deep ability to improvise. With that in mind I felt free if not obligated to play as if improvising while being mindful of the overall structure and to bring out important details such as the ever present descending half-steps. Thanks for your comment!

[@MultiFuckme22]

@@jblinear being musically flexible is fine, changing note values isnt. I feel like you know this but dont want to admit to it. As i said, dont wanna be to negative, but rythm is king

[@1TheStep]

Doesn't work on clarinet. Laboured and mannered.

[@jblinear]

Thank you for your comment, Stephen. I would appreciate hearing more.

[@vrexordkiller-_-5450]

I hate clarinet alto sax is sooooooo much better I only like saxophones idk y