Finger Fitness Études for Clarinet & Auxiliary Clarinets: Book 2

Kristen Denny-Chambers presents a sequel to Book 1 of her Finger Fitness Études, offering études which include larger intervals, more complex rhythms, and elevated musical expectations. Also available is Book 3, which picks up where Book 2 leaves off.

The edition consists of 40 études for any clarinet, and 18 additional études selected and revised for utilizing the keys unique to the low C bass clarinet. Each étude is one page in length (a few are two pages), and is preceded by a pair of short finger drills which correspond to the technical demands of the study.  The first twenty études feature the intervals of thirds and fourths, and the following twenty études contain tritones, perfect fifths, and minor sixths.  Of the eighteen bass clarinet études, one can be played with a low E-flat bass clarinet, but the others will require a low C instrument; these revised etudes use the same key and time signatures as their original versions, but take advantage of the much lower range enjoyed by the lower pitched clarinets.

The composer writes that the studies are good for "...advancing pre-college students, undergraduate and graduate music students as well as devoted clarinet enthusiasts." The range stays within the chalumeau and clarion registers, only reaching the maximum altissimo C♯6 on a few occasions (aside from one etude which contains a few altissimo D6 and E6 notes).  Denny-Chambers' writing covers a wide range of engaging moods, with colorful beginning tempo text descriptions like "Sprightly," "Melancholy," "Rampaging," or "Tenderly."
  
Quick facts
Length: average exercise length = 1 page
Range: highest pitch = written E6
Key signature: no ♯/♭, 1♯, 2♯, 3♯, 5♯, 1♭, 2♭, 3♭, 4♭, 5♭
Time signature: 2/2, 3/4, 4/4, 3/8, 6/8, 12/8
Extended techniques: growl, vibrato, ghost note, pitch bend (all ad lib)

Three appendices contain finger drill reviews, brief scale/chord studies, and tips for jazz and klezmer styles.