Sonata

Description

Clarinet in Bb, Piano — Sonata for Bb Clarinet and Piano has three contrasting yet closely related movements: 1.Gently, Playful, 2. Interlude, and 3. Agitato. The first movement begins with a sweetly mellifluous opening melody contrasted by a playful secondary theme, and is a nostalgic exploration of youthful innocence. The second movement serves as a bridge into another emotional space, colored by sadness and loss. The final movement transforms the material from the opening movement into an insistent dance full of dark, agitated energy. My sincere thanks to clarinetist Benjamin Fingland, for whom the piece was composed, and to clarinetist Maureen Hurd Hause and Benjamin Fingland for their valuable feedback. Ben and I premiered the sonata in August 2015 at the Mason Gross School of the Arts. — Amanda Harberg Amanda Harberg's Sonata for Bb Clarinet and Piano is a substantial addition to the clarinet repertoire. With a uniquely American sound, Harberg gives voice to the clarinet's expressive and virtuosic powers within a traditional three-movement sonata. The first movement begins with a sweetly mellifluous melody contrasted by a playful secondary theme, as a nostalgic exploration of youthful innocence. The second movement serves as a bridge into another emotional space, colored by sadness and loss. The final movement transforms the material from the opening movement into an insistent dance exploding with dark, agitated energy. For advanced performers.