Sheet Music for Clarinet in B♭: Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God) (Kate Bush)

Bring tension, atmosphere, and timeless emotional depth to life with this specially arranged sheet music for clarinet in B♭, featuring Kate Bush’s iconic masterpiece Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)—a song that reached a new generation of listeners through its powerful appearance in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things. Whether you’re a student exploring expressive modern repertoire or a performer searching for a dramatic, cinematic showpiece, this arrangement transforms the clarinet into a compelling voice of urgency and vulnerability.

Running Up That Hill is driven by an unmistakable pulse, haunting harmony, and emotional intensity. Its association with Stranger Things amplified the song’s dark, cinematic character—qualities that translate beautifully into an expressive instrumental performance. 🌙

---

Why This Sheet Music Stands Out

Tailored for Clarinet in B♭
Written specifically for the clarinet’s most expressive registers, the arrangement moves fluidly between the warm chalumeau register and the focused clarion. The writing feels natural under the fingers, allowing the player to focus on tone, phrasing, and emotional delivery.

Cinematic and Pulse-Driven
Faithful to the song’s iconic atmosphere—recognized by millions through Stranger Things—the transcription preserves its hypnotic rhythmic drive and dramatic build. Repetition, rhythmic consistency, and dynamic shaping create tension and release throughout the piece.

Accessible Yet Deeply Expressive
Technically approachable for intermediate clarinetists while offering strong expressive depth for advanced players, this piece emphasizes control, timing, and emotional commitment rather than technical display.

Perfect for Impactful Performances
Ideal for recitals, concerts, cinematic programs, or modern crossover performances, Running Up That Hill creates immediate emotional tension and a powerful connection with the audience—especially for listeners familiar with its role in Stranger Things.

---

Key Features

• Performer-Focused Notation: Clear phrasing, articulations, dynamics, and breath marks support confident, expressive playing.

• Driving Pulse: A steady rhythmic foundation that propels the music forward with urgency.

• Long, Expressive Lines: Encourages sustained tone, smooth legato, and careful shaping of intensity.

• Flexible Use: Works beautifully as a solo piece or with piano, backing track, or atmospheric electronic textures.

---

Why Running Up That Hill Works on Clarinet

The clarinet’s ability to sound both intimate and intense makes it especially effective for this music. Its smooth transitions between registers mirror the song’s emotional shifts—so powerfully highlighted in Stranger Things—allowing the melody to feel urgent yet deeply personal.

This arrangement lets the clarinet act as both narrator and emotional core, carrying the tension and vulnerability that made the song unforgettable on screen.

---

Performance Tips

• Lock Into the Pulse: Maintain steady rhythm to preserve the hypnotic drive.

• Shape the Build: Gradual crescendos create cinematic tension.

• Play with Emotional Commitment: Every phrase should feel intentional and connected.

• Think Cinematically: Imagine the dramatic atmosphere of Stranger Things while shaping the performance.

---

Why Add Running Up That Hill to Your Clarinet Repertoire?

This arrangement brings one of the most emotionally powerful songs of modern music—revived and reimagined through Stranger Things—into a striking clarinet setting. It challenges players to combine rhythm, tone, and storytelling into a single compelling musical experience.

Whether on stage or in personal practice, Running Up That Hill offers intensity, depth, and dramatic impact that resonates strongly with today’s audiences.

---

Conclusion

Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God) for clarinet in B♭ is intense, atmospheric, and emotionally charged. With its driving pulse, haunting melody, and cinematic legacy reinforced by Stranger Things, Kate Bush’s iconic song becomes a powerful clarinet showcase. Perfect for recitals, concerts, or modern crossover performances, this piece lets the clarinet speak with urgency, vulnerability, and unmistakable presence. 🌙✨