For Eb clarinet and percussion, includes two scores. A contrapuntal work for Eb clarinet and percussion (orchestra bells, snare drum and bass drum with foot pedal) provides enough interest to be useful on either a clarinet or percussion recital. The final section uses box notation. Duration: ca. 4' 20"
Print size: 11 x 17"
Review from Percussive Notes:
Raymond Weisling – Essence of Ampersand
“Essence of Ampersand” is a relatively short (4:20) work appropriate for college students looking to gain experience playing unconventionally-notated chamber music. This is a contrapuntal, meterless work that presents sections of music with an approximation of how long each should last. All beamed figures are to be played as quickly as possible. Each player reads from the score, as is necessary to line up various staggered entrances. This piece leaves quite a bit to interpretation, and therefore requires mature musicians who can chart their own courses, yet still balance their individual approaches to those of their partner. Nonverbal communication is essential for a successful performance. The percussion part is primarily scored for glockenspiel, with the snare drum only showing up for two sections of rolls that should each last roughly 20 seconds. The bass drum part isn’t notated, but text on that last page mentions “a few good blows on the bass drum may be played in the last few seconds before the final cutoff.” This exciting work offers several challenges for advanced players. Check this one out.
—Brian Elizondo
