How to Build a Clarinet

Description

Clarinet in Bb, Bass Clarinet — How to Build a Clarinet was commissioned by Stefanie and Joshua Gardner for their premiere performance at ClarinetFest® 2024 in Dublin, Ireland. Unlike my recent bass clarinet solo, Ramp, the extended techniques in this duo are limited to slap-tonguing and a few bends and smears, but no harmonics or multiphonics.  It is my hope that this duo may attract young players aspiring to conquer greater heights on these instruments. As a pianist, not a clarinetist, I imagined myself actually building a clarinet, only to be discouraged immediately at my ineptitude, hence the appropriate movement titles. I.    Practice (full of scales and extremities)II.    Hope (pleasant aspirations while marching forward)III.    Smoke (bluesy turns mixed with fanciful flights)IV.    Mirrors (canons, inversions, mimicking reflections) The always-phantasmagorical Carter Pann has written regarding HOW TO BUILD A CLARINET: “It is my hope that this duo may attract young players aspiring to conquer greater heights on these instruments. As a pianist, not a clarinetist, I imagined myself actually building a clarinet, only to be discouraged immediately at my ineptitude, hence the appropriate movement titles.” I.    Practice (full of scales and extremities)II.    Hope (pleasant aspirations while marching forward)III.    Smoke (bluesy turns mixed with fanciful flights)IV.    Mirrors (canons, inversions, mimicking reflections)While Pann hopes to excite young clarinets hearing the piece, this is a work for professionals and advanced students.