Work : Monstress
Composer : Theresa Martin http://www.theresamartin.net/about/
Difficulty Ranking : VI
Publisher : Potenza Music
Year Published : 2011
Commission : 10th and Broadway Clarinet Quartet
Instrumentation : 3 Bb Clarinets and 1 Bass Clarinet
Potential Pedagogical Applications : Articulation matching, intonation (octave, unison, and chordal), ensemble mechanics, phrase matching and handoffs, solo passages, extensive range (c1 capable bass clarinet required), highly chromatic writing
Sample Recording : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3a3P94-fuM
Where to Purchase Sheet Music : http://www.theresamartin.net/purchase-scores/monstress-for-clarinet-quartet
Annotation : Composer Martin described the inspiration of this work as a seductive monster capable of creating a spinning vortex. The six minute work features almost constant running or articulated sixteenth notes, which can become very tiring at the tempo marking of quarternote equals 120. The range of the work extends down to C 1 in the bass clarinet and up to Bb 4 in the Bb clarinets. This individualistic writing and range are the most challenging aspects of this piece.
