Stumbling Forward
Bass Clarinet and Piano
ca. 5'
Rhythmic drive, expressive melodic lines, and an exciting finish make this an accessible showcase for the bass clarinet's versatility and character.
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Style
Groovy • Gritty • Expressive
AT A GLANCE
Selected Performances & Recognition
New Release
Performances updated soon.
What Makes It Unique
A shorter and more accessible companion work, the piece balances lyrical playing, rhythmic drive, and musical storytelling without sacrificing musical depth.
Musical Influences
Eighth Blackbird
Nico Muhly
Andy Akiho
Post-Minimalism
Why I Wrote This Piece
Written to expand serious recital repertoire for the bass clarinet through a shorter, more accessible work that remains musically substantial.
PROGRAM NOTE
Stumbling Forward is a new bass clarinet + piano work following the response to There and Back, my bass clarinet piece that has since been performed in concert halls and at conferences around the world. Where There and Back takes a broader and more involved journey, Stumbling Forward is shorter, punchier, and built for immediate energy.
The piece begins with an awkward stumbling gesture before launching into a fast-moving mix of groove, singing melodies, and uneven meters. After a brief expressive turn in the middle, with simple glissandi in the altissimo register, the music regains its momentum and drives toward an exciting, high-energy conclusion.
At around 5 minutes, Stumbling Forward is designed as a vivid, rewarding concert work that is easier to fit on a program while still giving the bass clarinetist plenty of personality, motion, and flair.
Original Cover Photo by
Questions about the piece?
Feel free to reach out if there's anything I can do to help as you explore this piece.