Concerto for Bass Clarinet and Strings - (2023)   

   

The bass line carries one of the themes which recurs through the concerto, and then the solo bass clarinet adds a second theme which also figures later in the work. These themes are together the rondo, which then has its interludes of related materials and visits to additional harmonic domains.

 

 

 An andante follows the rondo, as long, quiet harmonies in the relative minor provide the background to some soft solo lines, as a contrast of mood to the rondo allegro.

 

 

A second section to the andante brings string tremolos to change the mood again, in preparation for the theme of the next movement and a short cadenza for the solo bass clarinet..

 

 

The presto sings out a broad-ranging melody for the solo to the accompaniment of pizzicati and then bowed figurations.

 

 

The first presto cadences after a chromatic descending phrase and then the cadenza, marked a piacere, continues on.

 

 

A second presto brings return of some material from the rondo allegro in both the lower strings and solo bass clarinet, and then the whole 'romps' to a last forte ending.

 

 

25 pages, circa 12' 30" - an MP3 emulation of the work is here: 

 

The score and parts are available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this score.

 

Concerto for Bass Clarinet and Strings

Full score 

 

Bass Clarinet