French composer and conductor Henri Tomasi (1901-1971) published Three Divertissements for Clarinet Quartet in 1964. As with his other wind compositions Three Divertissements was well-received by audiences. Tomasi was born in Marseille but his Father and Mother were originally from La Casinca in Corsica. Despite being pressured into musical studies by his parents Tomasi dreamed of becoming a sailor and during the summer he stayed with his Grandmother in Corsica where he learnt traditional Corsican songs. However in 1921 he began his studies at the Paris Conservatoire and went on to become ahigh profile composer and conductor. Tomasi did not forget his Corsican routes often incorporating themes of the songs he had learnt during the summers with his Grandmother into his compositions. The Three Divertissements are named; 1) Proceedings 2) Masquerade and 3) Rounds. This Tomasi piece is suitable to an advanced Clarinet Quartet providing an exciting alternative addition to the ensemble repertoire.

Laurie Holloway says: 'Joie de Vivre reflects exactly how I was feeling at the time of composition. I felt full of the good life and happy to be alive. Fortunately I still feel that way. It was originally a solo for me on piano and then it was performed on television by a flautist accompanied by me and now it is where it should be with your clarinet quartet. The movements are all joyful and will hopefully reflect your 'Joie de Vivre' '.

For Clarinet Quartet-The American composer George Gershwin (1898-1937) wrote the energetic song I Got Rhythm with lyrics by his brother Ira Gershwin in 1930 for the musical Girl Crazy. The story of Girl Crazy takes place in the theatre world of the 1930s. The Gaiety Theater in Deadrock Nevada is practically bankrupt but the rich banker’s son Bobby Child turns things around. His passion for the theatre leads to the customary love vicissitudes and comical intricacies - and a new successful show. I Got Rhythm now a jazz standard has been performed over the years by numerous famous and not-so-famous artists. The chord scheme has become so well-known that it hasbeen named rhythm changes and is often used by jazz musicians.

It?s the instantly recognisable theme from the incredibly popular US TV show, now known by a whole new generation of fans thanks to the 2010 revival of the classic series. This is a brilliant arrangement by Mike Sheppard that gives every musician in the ensemble something cool to play.