Louis Spohr is a German composer who lived at the same time as Beethoven. He is remembered most for his compositions for the violin. However, �Proudly as the Eagle� is a vocal excerpt taken from one of his operas, and it adapts very well for instrumental ensembles. The piece is not difficult technically, but all four players must be able to play independent rhythms. Accurate intonation and balance of parts are also essential. The key is C major for clarinets, and the range is limited from G below the staff to G above the staff.