Work : Clownery for Clarinets
Composer : Harry Stalpers
Difficulty Ranking : V
Publisher: Alry Publications http://www.alrypublications.com/ and Metropolis Music Publishers
Dedication: Clarinet Choir Walter Boeykens
Year Written : quartet version by composer 1997; original for clarinet choir (1984)
Instrumentation : 3 Bb Clarinets & Bass Clarinet
Potential Pedagogical Applications : Intonation (interval, unison, octave), articulation matching, ensemble mechanics (cuing), phrase matching, solo passages, frequent tempo transitions, uncommon meters and frequent metric shifts
Sample Recording : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qYc_JzhKJg
Where to Purchase Sheet Music : http://www.alrypublications.com/stalpers-clownery-for-clarinets-clarinet-quartet/
Annotation : This work was originally written for clarinet choir and the composer created this version for the Flanders Clarinet Quartet Collection. In effort to create the atmosphere and mood of clowns, the composer uses frequent tempo and mood changes with odd metric writing. The work never quite settles in one particular mood. These swift changes are hard to sell, but when done well, the make the work come alive with character. The range of the Bb clarinet extends to A 4 and the bass clarinet extends down to C1.
