Vent

Clarinet Quartet (or Saxophone) (2006)
9 mins

Vent was composed in 1994 for the ensemble No Strings Attached. The timbral quality of four clarinets together was a factor I constantly kept in mind during the composition. That mellow wooden sound in the low chalameau register, those piercing high notes and the ability to move seamlessly through the whole range. I wished to explore arpeggio figures (something I had never done before) both in a controlled burbling kind of way and in a broad brush fanfare sense. From this I began to use harmonic systems based on 4ths, 3rds and modes in quick succession or simultaneously. Finally I wanted bursts of pent-up energy placed alongside more carefully constructed passages highlighting the exorcising nature of the music to which the title might refer.

Score and parts (for clarinets version) included.  Please email for saxophone parts to be sent separately after ordering.  Thank you.