Verve

The word Verve was the sole inspiration for this duet for bass clarinet and marimba. The woody, reedy qualities of both instruments already blend so well that I thought it would be fun to have them constantly emerging out of one another in similar ranges. There is also a lot of rhythmic and melodic hocketing throughout the piece, requiring a great sense of groove and pulse from both musicians. The bass clarinet part may alternatively be played on bassoon using the included part.

Program Notes

Verve
noun
1. the spirit and enthusiasm animating composition or performance: vivacity
2. energy, vitality

The word Verve was the sole inspiration for this duet for bass clarinet and marimba. The woody, reedy qualities of both instruments already blend so well that I thought it would be fun to have them constantly emerging out of one another in similar ranges. There is also a lot of rhythmic and melodic hocketing throughout the piece, requiring a great sense of groove and pulse from both musicians. The bass clarinet part may alternatively be played on bassoon using the included part. Verve was commissioned by Dr. Corey Mackey (clarinet) and Dr. Keith Lienert (percussion), both faculty members at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

Grade Level: 4
Copyright: 2018
Number of Players: 2
Duration: 5:20
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Type: Duet
Category: Woodwind; Percussion

Listen to Recordings

Instrumentation

B-flat Bass Clarinet (or Bassoon - part included)
Marimba (5-octave)