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David Bilskemper, Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, 1st Movement. Performers: UWSP Professor of Music Andrea Splittberger-Rosen,
clarinet Composer's Narrative The sonata is in three movements. The outer two movements are similar in character and tempo. The first movement is serious in a mocking way. The elements of contrast create a somewhat playful or humorous tone. The first movement ends tense and focused. The second movement begins mournful, becomes hopeful, and ends mournful again. The rolled chords in the piano through the hopeful section express a flowing-over of contentment. The second movement has a symmetrical form just as the piece as a whole has a symmetrical form. Finally, the third movement is more joking and playful than the first was, and a few similar motifs are used. Atonality is used here in a tongue-in-cheek way that borders on buffoonery. Again, there is a symmetrical form to the third movement. The third movement ends focused and again, slightly jokingly. Through the piece, the influence of jazz is remotely evident in the articulations. |