CONCERTO FOR CLARINET AND ORCHESTRA, 1994

written for Richard Stoltzman

Duration, 11 minutes

Solo clarinet and orchestra (2,2,2,2, 2,2,2,0, timp., 2 perc., strings)

MOVEMENTS::

Prelude

Vivace Ritmico

The Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra was written in 1994 for Richard Stoltzman. In the Prelude, the solo clarinet floats above or below, or winds around and through orchestral sonorities that are sometimes warm, singing and sparkling, and sometimes languid, hazy clouds of sound. An ascending motif begins in the clarinet and occurs frequently throughout, drifting upward at the end of the movement.

The peace and tranquillity of the Prelude changes drastically when all caution lets loose in the light-hearted, exuberant and quite raucous Vivace Ritmico. Elements of jazz and the mood of a lively party combine with repetitive rhythmic patterns, changing meters, playful exchanges and comic sounds. A traditional cadenza for the clarinet culminates with a short exchange between the clarinet and a siren in the percussion section before the movement rushes forward to a conclusion.

Performances:

WCLV, 9/26/98, (part of an hour program of her music aired nationally via the Internet)

WCLV, 4/4/98, (part of an hour program of her music aired nationally via the Internet)

Richard Stoltzman, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Roanoke, VA, 1/27/97

Dan Silver, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Roanoke, VA, 2/13//96

Dan Silver, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Roanoke, VA, 2/12//96

CD, Richard Stoltzman, cl.,Seattle Sym., Gerard Schwarz, cond., recorded 9//95, 1996 release

Shenandoah Symphony Orchestra, B.Kolman, cond,Daniel Silver, cl.,Lexington, VA,1/14/95