Potpourri No. 4 (Spohr)

Potpourri No. 4 is a musical composition by the German composer Louis Spohr. It is written for clarinet and orchestra. Spohr composed several potpourris, which are essentially medleys or arrangements of popular tunes and operatic melodies of the time, often loosely connected and showcasing the virtuosity of the soloist.

The specific tunes used in Potpourri No. 4 would likely be drawn from operas and folk songs popular during Spohr's lifetime, the late 18th and early 19th centuries. A characteristic feature of Spohr's potpourris is the combination of lyrical passages with technically demanding solo clarinet writing. These works served as both entertainment pieces and vehicles for showcasing the clarinet's expressive capabilities and the performer's skill.

While details regarding the exact melodies used in Potpourri No. 4 may vary depending on the edition or recording, the piece generally exemplifies Spohr's style of blending operatic elegance with virtuosic display within a light, entertaining framework. It is a valuable addition to the clarinet repertoire and a reflection of the musical tastes of its era.