Adagio and Tarantella

Cavallini, a viruoso clarinetist for whom composers such as Verdi expressly wrote in many of their operas, wrote this most famous work for clarinet and piano using orginal themes instead of borrowing from other composers, as was customary.  The Adagio treats the listener to dashing, free-style clarinet virtuosity (which lies neatly under the fingers!), then melts the heart with a gorgeous "cantablie" melody.  The Tarantella, an Italian dance used at weddings, starts slowly, then gradually gets faster and faster.