Instrumentation: 3 Bb Clarinets & Bass Clarinet
Duration: 6 minutes
Year: 2015
Program Notes
Commissioned by clarinettist Jack Liang, Preludes are three short movements for clarinet quartet. In these movements, I wanted to explore the homogenous sound that a clarinet choir could produce.
I – Summer
Oscillating melodic figures in thirds move slowly between the clarinets to create a hazy texture that evokes the heat of summer. In a two-part form, the feeling of relief comes in the second half when the melodic figures are presented in quicker succession, bringing to mind the welcome breeze that takes away the heat.
II – Bounce
Focused on melodic and rhythmical development, the movement is based on a two-note motif and is vivacious and
energetic.
III – Laid Back
The last movement was inspired by jazz and features a melody based on major 7ths.
Score Sample
Roydon Tse 