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Bass Clarinet Concertino (2015)

For bass clarinet and chamber ensemble

INSTRUMENTATION - there are three options:
#1: tutti: solo bass clarinet, flute, clarinet, piano, harp, 2 percussion (crotales, vibraphone, marimba), violin, viola, cello
#2: tutti minus the harp: solo bass clarinet, flute, clarinet, piano, 2 percussion (crotales, vibraphone, marimba), violin, viola, cello
#3: tutti minus the percussion: solo bass clarinet, flute, clarinet, piano, harp, violin, viola, cello
[NOTE: Whichever version is played, the same full score and parts should be used, i.e., there are not 3 different scores and 3 different sets of parts.]

First performance of the Bassoon version by the Danish Chamber Players, Gunnar Eckhoff, solo bassoon, on 6 April 2014.
Duration: 10 minutes
First performance of the Bass Clarinet Version by Orchestra Symphonique Region Centre-Val de Loire Tours, France Vincent Penot solo bass clarinet on 22 January 2017, conducted by Kanako Abe.

Part #2: SKY BLUE in a live performance by the Oberlin Contemporary Music Ensemble

To be performed with dancers when feasible.
 
 
Program Note

Commissioned by and dedicated with admiration and gratitude to The Danish Chamber Players and bassoon soloist Gunnar Eckhoff, Bassoon Concertino was premiered on April 6, 2014 in Copenhagen in Tivoli Concert Hall and has a duration of 10 minutes.

The work is in three parts (fast, slow, faster,) is based on beautiful works of art, and offers homages to three Danish composers:

Part #1: Paul Klee: ROPE DANCER: Homage to Hans Abrahamsen;
Part #2: Wassily Kandinsky: SKY BLUE: Homage to Bent Sørensen;
Part #3: Joan Miro: LADDERS CROSS THE BLUE SKY IN A WHEEL OF FIRE: Homage to Poul Ruders.

It is rare that we get to hear a work that showcases a bassoon player.  This Concertino requires exceptional virtuosity of the soloist featuring playing of all kinds — rhythmic, athletic, punchy, lyrical, delicate, jazzy, whimsical, capricious, elegant — and celebrates the amazing artist and beautiful instrument in all its colors.

In 2016, a version was made for Bass Clarinet.

— Augusta Read Thomas

 
Rope Dancer (Paul Klee)
Sky Blue (Wassily Kandinsky)
Ladders Cross the Blue Sky in a Wheel of Fire (Joan Miro)

To obtain examination or performance material for any of
Augusta Read Thomas's works, please contact G. Schirmer Inc..