Instrumental Duet,Piano Cello,Clarinet,Instrumental Duet,Piano - Digital Download SKU: A0.1022791 Composed by Christian Martin. 20th Century,Contemporary. Score and parts. 19 pages. Lux Novus #3211727. Published by Lux Novus (A0.1022791). Trio plays with a simple idea that is first stated in the opening measures and repeated in various ways throughout. After a moderate introduction that lasts for about one and a half minutes, the cello enters with the first theme. What is unique, and somewhat unconventional, about this largely disjunct theme is that it is performed almost entirely pizzicato, creating a pleasant and relaxing groove between the cello and piano. The pizzicato cello theme is in two parts, interrupted by a short, syncopated statement by all.There is a slow section in the middle of the piece, one that is to be played freely by the cello and clarinet, not constricted by meter, and written in a minor mode. This is in stark contrast to a piece that is otherwise very lively and high-spirited. Following this slow section, the performers softly come back with the simple idea at its original tempo and soon fall into a steady groove that features virtuosic figures in the clarinet. There is a steady rise in dynamics and harmonic rhythm from this point to the end of the piece. It ends on a high note; no pun intended.The piece has a jazzy quality overall. I grew up listening to composers like Leonard Bernstein and Samuel Barber and performers like Wynton Marsalis and Jaco Pastorius. Although the notes now inhabit their permanent place on the page, It is my hope that they reflect the improvisatory nature in which the piece was composed. ~ Christian Martin.
