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To Unravelfor bass clarinet, bass trombone, and double bass
Length: ca. 7' Availability: PDFs available for purchase. |
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Program Note
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I composed To Unravel in January of 2015 for bass trombonist Jack Noble. Even though the bass clarinet, bass trombone, and double bass are all bass instruments, each one has a very distinct color and character. I endeavored to compose a piece that not only exploits the instruments' unique qualities, but also maintains a sense of lightness and transparency.
When considering a title for the trio, I pondered things associated with the number three. One thing that kept coming to mind was a traditional three-strand braid. To Unravel frequently explores different timbral combinations through extended unison passages. For example, in the opening measures, the bass clarinet blossoms out of pizzicato notes sounding on the double bass. Eventually, the instruments develop their own independent lines. This development, which is crucial to the work's overall trajectory, reminded me of an unraveling strand of rope or string. |
Premiere |
Commissioned by Jack Noble; premiered in 2015.
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Recording |