ISBN 9781598064940. 9 x 12 inches.
This lively, dance-filled chamber work was composed for piccoloist Jan Gippo and clarinetist Jane Carl. Inspired by the brilliant colors of wildflowers from America's heartland, WILDFLOWERS opens with the joyful energy of the "Dense Blazing Star," followed by the beautiful and poignant ballad, "Missouri Primrose,"and ends with the exhilarating and celebratory dance depicting the "Mexican Hat." For advanced performers. Duration: 22'.
WILDFLOWERS was composed for my wonderful friends, piccoloist Jan Gippo and his wife, clarinetist Jane Carl. Jan, in addition to being the extraordinary piccolo player of the St. Louis Symphony, has made a mission of commissioning dozens of works by some of the most distinguished composers of our time. The piccolo is known for its brilliant soaring sound floating on top the orchestra, yet it is capable of such a variety of colors. Until Jan approached me, I had never written an extended solo work for piccolo. Janas suggestion was a wonderful opportunity to explore an instrumental color I have always loved, since the very first time I accompanied a professional musician! When I was in high school I had the pleasure of accompanying on piano, the legendary piccoloist of the Cleveland Orchestra, William Hebert! I will always remember that experience a not just working with a seasoned pro, but hearing a crystalline, mellifluous sound I thought was extraordinary! I was hooked! I have enjoyed featuring the clarinet in several chamber works, including PALISADES SUITE for Flute, Clarinet, and Piano, and TRIO for Clarinet, Viola, and Piano, and have loved writing for this instrument with its wealth of musical expression. Janas commission afforded the opportunity to combine these two instruments and to explore the wide variety of sounds inherent in this fantastic instrumental combination. Inspired by the brilliant colors of the flora from Americaas heartland, WILDFLOWERS opens with the joyful energy of the Dense Blazing Star, followed by the tender and poignant ballad, Missouri Primrose, and ends with the exhilarating and celebratory dance depicting the Mexican Hat. Throughout the piece, both solo instruments sing and soar, sometimes alternating melodies, sometimes joining together in virtuosic duets, accompanied by resonant, full, rich piano gestures providing a grand chordal support and a riveting rhythmic momentum. My hearty thanks to Jan and Jane, who premiered the work with pianist Patty Higdon at the 2008 ClarinetFest at the University of Missouri a Kansas City, and to all of the wonderful patrons who supported the commission.
