Julian Menendez

Ocho Estudios for Clarinet

Julian Menendez (1895-1975) was a Spanish Clarinet virtuoso who spent most of his life in Madrid, serving as principal clarinettist with both the Madrid Symphony Orchestra and the Madrid Symphonic Band, where he was highly regarded by both critics and peers. Ocho Estudios is a collection of eight Etudes for Clarinet with Piano accompaniment: Nocturno - Ballet - Danzarina - Recuerdo - Arabesco - Sueño - Minueto - Humoresca. They are lively and entertaining, and recommended for any advancing player who wishes to develop their repertoire. Menendez stretched the technical facility of his Clarinet playing to an extraordinary level while playing in the Symphonic Band, wherethe Clarinet often carried the melody. His compositions reflect this; he created works of technical and expressive prowess that is probably unmatched.