Donizetti's Primo Studio (First Study or Etude) was written in 1821, but this music should not be thought of as "just" an etude. It is in typical sonata form with an Exposition, Development, Recapitulation and Coda. The performer should be aware of these major sections and the harmonic implications within them to help interpret the music. Although many other etudes for clarinet were composed in the nineteenth century, this particular work has enjoyed a place in our solo repertoire.

The edition has been edited by John Anderson.