The Sonatina reveals the influence of the neoclassicism of Francis Poulenc and Igor Stravinsky and the "rich palette of tone-colours" of Claude Debussy. It is filled with dance (polka) and march rhythms and virtuosic runs. Passages of a cheerful nature containing unexpected syncopations alternate with more earnest lyrical ones. In this music can be seen the composer's nostalgia for the happier, more productive time he had spent in Paris (1923–1940), years filled with spirited interactions with the group of "Les Six." Notwithstanding its elegance and finish, the music also embraces the passionate strength of his Czech roots.

Date of composition 1956 in New York, NY, United States
First published 1957
Type Sonatina
Catalogue H 356
Instruments Clarinet
Piano
Autotranslations beta Bohuslav Martinů: Sonatine pour clarinette, H 356
Bohuslav Martinů: Sonatina per clarinetto, H 356
Bohuslav Martinů: Sonatine für Klarinette, H 356