Clarinet Trio (Print & Ship)
I. Capriccio
This lively capriccio features a bouncy melody that is imitated in canon through the other two clarinets. Then the descending fourth motive introduced early is developed in a series of succinct statements. The movement ends with a three part canon with each clarinet racing against the others.
II. Elegy*
After someone leaves our lives there are lingering reminders of the pain of their absence combined with the sweetness of the happiest memories. The middle section represents a flashback to happier times yet the sustained notes hint that something is not quite right. In the end the melody is unable to resolve as it should yet those around it continue on their way.
*Please note that the bass clarinet player should play soprano clarinet for this movement only.
III. Frenetic
This piece would not have been written were it not for the prodding of my friend and fellow composer Felix Rivera. I would joke with him that he may never write a piece not based on tritones and he quipped back that I may never write a piece for clarinets. I decided it was time to fix not having a clarinet selection in my repertoire and this work is the result. This movement is a frenetic and virtuosic dance based off of Rivera’s signature interval of the tritone.
(You can hear more of Felix Rivera's music by following this link to his Soundcloud page: @frivera)
- Matthew Nunes
Windsor, September 2014 - March 2015
