This dazzling cornet/trumpet virtuoso piece was based on an air by Niccolo Paganini, and was originally composed for violin. Herbert L. Clarke was called the greatest cornetist of all time, and at the urging of another famous cornet soloist, Walter Rogers, Clarke was encouraged to write his own solos. His composition legacy includes over fifty solos, duets, and trios, as well as marches and works for concert band. Carnival of Venice may well be his best-known piece, and generations of brass players have worked to conquer and perform this masterwork.