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Duration: c. 6'
4 Bb Clarinets, 2 Bass Clarinets, opt. Bb Contrabass Clarinet
DETAILS
COMMISSIONED by the Slippery Rock University Clarinet Studio, under the direction of Dr. Amanda Morrison.
PREMIERED April 30, 2023 at Slippery Rock University.
AVAILABLE from your favorite sheet music dealer, or direct from Presser.
SOUNDCLOUD of Penn State Clarinet Choir live in concert.
PROGRAM NOTES
Inspired by the commissioner's name and location, the title SLIPPERY SLOPES may also suggest
a variety of meanings.
While beginning work on the piece in September 2022, I learned of the passing
of my former teacher, the great bass clarinetist Ron Reuben (who joined the Stan Kenton Band
on saxophone after graduating from Curtis; he later served for 38 years as the Philadelphia
Orchestra's bass clarinetist). Ron liked reminding me that most modern jazz is more inventively progressive than most modern classical.
The opening 32 bars oozed out when I heard about Ron, and I originally thought this would
become the 2nd of 3 movements in a little suite. But those opening bars just wanted to get up and dance.
SLIPPERY SLOPES was commissioned by the Slippery Rock University Clarinet Studio, under the direction of Dr. Amanda Morrison. It is scored for 4 Bb Clarinets and 2 Bass Clarinets (not going below low Eb). An optional Bb Contra part is also provided.
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