Jaquith: Ballad for Clarinet Solo

Code: JP2094
ISMN: 979-0-3019-0501-2

Ballad for Clarinet is the second of a series of pieces for solo instruments. The essence of a traditional ballad is simply a song that tells a story, often with the focus being on the event and action rather than the characters themselves. Although the analogy to this piece shouldn't be overstressed, it does seek to be a narrative, a dramatic unfolding of musical ideas in lyrical as well as highly virtuosic terrain. The clarinet's many facets are exhaustively used, from its warm, inviting low register to its shrill and piercing upper range. Its ability to both play a wonderful legato line, as well as sharp angular figures with great agility are also contrasted. Divided in three movements, the dramatic intensity simply increases in each successive movement, leading to an exhausting and breathless finish.

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