SONATA FOR CLARINET AND PIANO

PROGRAM NOTES

I. Slow Dance
II. Lively

The Sonata for Clarinet and Piano was commissioned by the International Clarinet Association with generous support of a co-commissioners’ consortium. The clarinet is such a beautifully lyrical instrument, has a broad range and the ability to produce many different colors. All of these elements are driving forces throughout the sonata.

The first movement, Slow Dance is nostalgic and lingering in nature, with a prevalent melody throughout. Even though the melody often is in 5/4 time, the feeling is that of a slow, romantic waltz. The second movement, Lively, showcases the different registers of the clarinet with quick leaps between high and low notes, as well as the liquid quality of fast runs. Lively is light-hearted and playful as the clarinet and piano pass motives back and forth, almost as if they are saying: “But can you do THIS??”