for Clarinet and Piano

Originally written for British clarinettist Peter Furniss and pianist Gareth Hunt in 1993, this single-movement work has an overtly theatrical aspect, harkening back to the composer’s spiritual home in musical theater. A dialogue is established between two contrasting but thematically related sections. The slow, lyrical, aching theme heard at the outset becomes interspersed with a second that is more mischievous, even grotesque in character. Constant development of this faster material provides a means of pushing forward with considerable virtuosity to the composition’s rather resigned conclusion, where both themes (and moods) are finally juxtaposed.

Time Pieces CD Cover

American Standard can be heard on a CD featuring Peter Furniss and pianist David Leiher Jones.

See Clarinet Classics CC0054: Time Pieces

The score and part for American Standard are available for purchase online from Subito Music.

Audio Excerpts

Excerpt 1: A grotesque dance transition into a lyrical passage.

Excerpt 2: The denouement and coda