Deux Danses - Clarinet Octet

Commissioned by HOBEREAUX CLARINET ENSEMBLE.
In two movements.

Danse Melancholique
The style is melancholic. After the introduction comes a mellow dance. Obbligato has an important role. Mysterioso middle section leads to an Argentinian tango feel. The interpretation of this section sets the character of the piece.

Danse Antipathique
A drastic contrast from the first, the second movement has a passionate and eccentric dance-like character. Bass clarinet slap tonguing is the key here.
Be very attentive to the rhythm and subdivided notes. Precision is very important to maintain the dance effect. Also, expressiveness in the middle section rumba underscores the movement's uniqueness.
Bass clarinet cadenza, waltz, and recapitulation of the theme accelerate towards the conclusion, building energy. The ending should be felt in two for best effect.

(Masamicz Amano)