Concertino for Bass Clarinet and Chamber Orchestra

Year
2009
Duration
9'
Category
Solo and Orchestra

Instrumentation: 2(I=picc, II=afl).afl(=bfl).0.0.dbn-0.0.0.0-perc(2):I=xyl/vib/log dr/tam-t/tom-t/SD/sus.cym/flat gong/conga/bongos; II=glsp/marimba/BD/tom-t/totos/SD/sus.cym/tpl.bl/pipe-pft-strings(min:2.2.2.2.2) string parts may be expanded proportionally
Dedication: Dedicated to Virgil Blackwell
Buy Score: Hendon Music (Boosey & Hawkes)
Manuscripts: Paul Sacher Stiftung

Premiere: Dec 10, 2010/ Virgil Blackwell, bass clarinet / New Music Concerts Ensemble / Robert Aitken/ Isabel Bader Theatre, Toronto

Wagner’s extraordinary use of the bass clarinet drew my attention to that remarkable instrument. Since Wagner’s time the bass clarinet has been developed in range and performers have developed many fascinating techniques leading me to feature it for my good friend the wonderful clarinetist Virgil Blackwell, who plays it so beautifully. It was composed during 2009 while I was in New York City.

– Elliott Carter