Clarinet Trio

By Raymond J. Horvat

For Clarinet, Cello and Piano

The clarinet has always been one of the composers favorite instruments to write for. After hearing a performance of the Brahms Clarinet Trio, he fell in love with the combination of Clarinet, Cello, and Piano. This clarinet trio consists of two movements, a pastorale movement of three voices each dancing around each other and a meditation on a progression of three chords.

Pastorale is an exploration of color between the three instruments. The pastorale scene starts with a peaceful idea being passed back and forth between the instruments. This idea is eventually corrupted as the piece plays out. The corruption is only reconciled by each voice playing out its ideas individually leading to a working but unsettled conclusion.

Points of Light (Mediation) is a movement build on a repetition of a three-chord progression. It is a kaleidoscopic movement meant to mimic flashing and moving lights in a scene. Phrases come in and out of focus and notes flash in and out of the piece as if just passing by for a second. It is best listened to while reflecting and mediating on the repeated chords.

Orchestration: Clarinet in B-Flat, Violoncello, Piano

Difficulty: Advanced

Product cost: $25.00