This collection of 10 clarinet duets is part of Universal Edition's World Music series.  The 21st century clarinettist should be aware of the diverse background of the clarinet outside the European classical tradition.  These duets are an excellent introduction to the world of Balkan music.  This is an exotic world where players have been educated to play largely by ear, and with dazzlingly complex rhythms coloured with much ornamentation.  This book of duets however is arranged in order of difficulty with the earlier duets being based around grade four level.  Ornamentation and notation of more complex rhythms comes later.  Styles of music from several Balkan countries are covered: Macedonia, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey.  This is a very interesting collection of duets which should awaken the curiosity of any player who has reached about grade five level.

Andrew Smith