Work
Divertissement
for clarinet and string quartet
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About
There are five short movements in this work, which is in the nature of a Divertimento.
"Preamble" is based on the staccato material of the first few bars, and leads without a break into the "Episode" in which the clarinet introduces the main theme. This grows into an ostinato figure, first in the cello and viola with fragments of the theme in the other instruments. The texture gradually grows in intensity reaching its peak which leaves the clarinet unconcernedly continuing its theme, aided by the violins, bringing the movement to its close.
"Melodie" is a duet for violin and cello in which the lyrical and far-reaching melody of the violin is supported by pizzicato notes from the cello.
"Phrase" is based on fragments of the phrase first given by the first violin with a static chord held by viola and cello.
In the "Gigue", a quirky theme is given first by the violin, then taken over in part or in full by the other instruments.
(Notes provided by the composer)
Commissioned note
Commissioned by Russell Armitage, Chairman of the Wellington Chamber Music Society
Contents note
Preamble
Episode
Melodie - Duo
Phrase
Gigue