In 10 days (!) I will be performing a concert for an audience for the first time in a long time and I’m excited to include Soliloquies by Violet Archer for solo Bb and A clarinet. Violet Archer was an influential Canadian composer and teacher who made her impact on generations on many students. I have performed her pieces such as the sonata for clarinet and piano and there is always something new to find in her music with each and every time I play.
The first movement, Meditation as you can guess begins slow and thoughtful. It explores the full range of the instrument, stretching up to a high C# (that’s 2 octaves above the treble staff) and has an active mid section with plenty of opportunity for expression.
The second movement switches clarinets to A and is much more active! There are a lot of exciting moments and acts as an excellent foil for the other two movements.
The final movement mirrors the first and brings us back to the energy of the first. Like the first there is an active section which relaxes to back to the slower tempo.
I encourage everyone to learn more about Violet Archer and her works, one way is through the Canadian Music Centre where you can also purchase her music.