Scaramouche,  for clarinet OR flute & piano (2022)  

Movements:  

• I. Adagio - Andantino - Adagio - Allegretto - Adagio
• II. Larghetto 
• III. Allegro assai - Adagio - Allegro assai 

 Duration: ca. 11'40"  

Program Notes:

‘Scaramouche’ consists of three movements, which incorporates my fascination with French impressionism.  Scaramouche is a well-known stock character in the commedia dell'arte, a form of Italian comic theater.  The name and character have appeared in various French cultural contexts. It is often portrayed as a sad clown, symbolizing unrequited love, longing, and loneliness.

The first movement, written in a free form that has an almost improvised quality, features flowing melodic fragments with intriguing harmonies, which reflects Scaramouche’s multi-faceted character.

The somber and meditative second movement suggests the sadness and longing character of Scaramouche.  The melodic expressiveness of the clarinet, coupled with the gentle pacing and rhythmic pulse of the piano create a hypnotic sound and tranquility.

The sprightly paced third movement, representing Scaramouche’s mischievous character, concludes the piece with vibrant melodic lines and driving rhythmic patterns.  I aspire to develop the thematic ideas with colorful harmonies and changes in texture, adding complexity and esthetic appeal while maintaining a strong rhythmic motion.  It uses ABABA form as an outline, and includes a brief reprise of the opening statement from the first movement.