Clarinet & Piano Version

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Dance Giocoso
For Clarinet & Piano
For Wind Sextet

Dance Giocoso began life in late 1998. Composed for Jennifer Taylor who was preparing to take her Grade 5 clarinet at the time. The initial work on the piece produced just the first 16 bars. In February 1999, the middle calypso section was added and the piece completed. At the same time an arrangement was made for Wind Sextet for Senior Wind Ensemble at Furze Platt Senior School.

You can view the scores to the two versions on my Sibelius website by clicking the links below. If you wish to purchase the scores (and parts), please email me for a price list. Upon receipt of the fee, a PDF of the score will be emailed to the purchaser.

Clarinet & Piano version
Wind Sextet version

Analysis:
The piece is based around the same rhythmic motif as Gratias Ago and Les Etoiles Noir (see opening bar). The first theme (X) is presented in the first eight bars accompanied by a polka like piano part. The harmonic sidesteps caused by the Fmajor chords suggest the mixolydian mode. In bb.9-16 the harmonic figuration retains the polka style whilst a new theme (Y) is introduced and again the harmony sidesteps towards flat keys before returning to the tonic. The whole section (bb.1-16) is repeated.

The middle section was composed much later than X and Y. The section retains the main rhythmic motif of X but with a calypso style accompaniment. This theme is developed and rises towards a climax (b31) before a hint of X is heard (b.32) and the final section begins.

The final section (bb.32-47) begins with X treated in imitation at the bar. At b41 X and Y are mixed together in counterpoint. The coda (beginning at b48) contains elements of Y followed by hints of X over a dominant pedal. The final flourish (bb.54-61) is based on X.

The Sextet Version is scored for:

Flute
Oboe
2 Clarinets
Horn
Bassoon

Recent Performances:
-(18/12/02) Maidenhead, UK. Premiere performance by Furze Platt Senior School Wind Ensemble at the Christmas Concert.

Wind Sextet Version