There and Back for Bass Clarinet
Bass Clarinet and Piano
ca. 8'
Rhythmic energy, playful virtuosity, and expressive melodic lines showcase nearly every side of the instrument's personality.
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Style
Energetic • Lyrical • Adventurous
AT A GLANCE
Selected Performances & Recognition
ICA Low Clarinet Festival
"Basseggiando" Album by Simone Porcellini
Concert Halls, Conservatories, and Conferences on six continents
What Makes It Unique
Written to showcase both the lyrical and energetic sides of the instrument, the work treats the soloist as a storyteller rather than simply a vehicle for technical display.
Musical Influences
Andy Akiho
Caroline Shaw
Rachmaninoff – Piano Concerto No. 2
Nico Muhly
Why I Wrote This Piece
Written to expand serious recital repertoire for the bass clarinet, honoring the instrument's unique timbres, versatility, and expressive range.
PROGRAM NOTE
The work is in a large-scale ABA form: the A section is comprised of a series of miniature episodes, vibrant in nature; the B section is flowing and lyrical, providing artistic contrast to A. With the return of the A theme, the episodes are presented in reverse order, creating a skillfully crafted palindromic rondo, complete with a subtle reference to a major 21st century musical force.
-Program note by Dr. Laura Bennett Cameron
While a few minor tweaks from the original version for bassoon have been made to exploit the wonderful colors of the bass clarinet, this piece otherwise follows the original arrangement very closely. Reduced (optional) noteheads in the piece allow the work to be played by musicians with or without an instrument capable of a low C.
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.