Work : Klezmer Triptych
Composer : Mike Curtis http://www.mikecurtismusic.com/Bio.html
Difficulty Ranking : IV
Publisher : Advance Music
Year Published : 2002
Instrumentation : 3 Bb Clarinets and Bass Clarinet or 2 Bb Clarinets, 1 Alto Clarinet, and Bass Clarinet
Potential Pedagogical Applications : Articulation matching, intonation (octave, unison, and chordal), ensemble mechanics, phrase matching, idiomatic klezmer writing (melodies, harmonies, ornamentation), auxiliary instruments (alto and bass clarinet)
Sample Recording : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDJ71pWpo5k
Where to Purchase Sheet Music : http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/klezmer-triptych-sheet-music/17446522
Annotation : This work features arrangements of three traditional klezmer tunes for mixed clarinet quartet. The work utilizes klezmer style ornaments such as trills, bends, and grace notes. Though the composer does not indicate any of the more complicated ornaments to be performed, this work could be an entry place for discussing these concepts with students. The range spends very little time in the altissimo register, but does require the first clarinet to play to G 4 . This piece can also be used to provide students with additional practice utilizing bass and alto clarinet.
