Sheet Music: Clarinet Polka

TitleClarinet Polka
Alternate titlesThe Grandfather Polka
Dziadunio Polka
Candy Mountain Cave from Charlie the Unicorn
ComposerTraditional Polish
Also attributed toKarol Namysłowski (1856–1925)
InstrumentationFlute solo
KeyB-flat major
RangeD4–D6
Time signature2/4
Tempo112 BPM
Performance time1:45
Difficulty levelintermediate
Download printable scorePDF Sheet Music (65 kB) (preview)
Download audio tracksMIDI (change tempo/key) MP3 (839 kB)
Date added2009-12-01
Last updated2021-10-19
Download popularity index☆☆☆☆☆ 4.8 (popular)
Categories
Dance tunes, Internet memes, Polkas, Show-off pieces, Traditional/Folk

Performances

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Tuesday 1 December 2009

Tune of the Day: The Clarinet Polka

Traditional Polish tune

This piece used to be a virtual requirement for any clarinetist. In April 2006 it was brought to worldwide popularity by the YouTube video “Charlie the Unicorn”, in which it was used as the tune to the “Candy Mountain Cave” song:

Oh, when you're down and looking for some cheering up,
Then just head right on up to the Candy Mountain cave.
When you get inside you'll find yourself a cheery land,
Such a happy and joyful and perky merry land.

The tune is actually a traditional Polish polka, also known as “Dziadunio Polka” (“Grandfather Polka”). It is sometimes attributed to Polish violinist and composer Karol Namyslowski (1856–1925). Namyslowski is often remembered for having located and trained more than 200 countryside musicians, forming an orchestra that played an important role in awakening the national spirit of Poland.