Divertimento

“Divertimento” for solo basset horn or bass clarinet is a quirky, mostly atonal work in five movements that explores the instruments’ unique timbral possibilities while taking advantage of their ability to perform wide register leaps with relative ease.  The first movement is rhythmically driven with a rather irreverent feel, contrasting deep, guttural motives with strident figures in the uppermost register.  The second movement is a gentle, haunting lullaby in 3/4 time.  The third movement is in a boisterous, technically driven 12/8 that packs maximal impact for (relatively) minimal effort by the performer.  The fourth movement explores emotionally wrought lyricism featuring large intervals in a freeform tempo and improvisatory style.  The fifth movement is a wildly energetic combination of pseudo-atonal ragtime and circus music to bring the piece to a delightful close.

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Duration: 12 minutes