PROGRAM NOTE
The title STREAM encapsulates some of the essential characteristics of this 16-minute long composition for clarinet and string quartet: it suggests flow—whether gentle or forceful; it implies a journey, one that could take us onto unexpected terrains yet is always moving forward; embedded into this word is also the idea of “stream of consciousness,” and with it, free association and unexpected twists of fancy.
Although STREAM is to be played without a break, there are strong elements of a three-movement structure in evidence. An expository quasi-first-movement lays out important materials of varying character, intermittently lyrical, foreboding, and vigorous. The middle part, suggesting contrast and repose, is initially slow and reflective, but then embarks on new explorations of the notion of stasis. It leads directly into the final movement, which is dominated by fast-moving music of high energy and growing virtuosity that consolidates the previous materials. Important throughout is the way in which seemingly transitional stretches of music emerge and propel the music onward in ways that are at once unexpected and fantastical.
A composer’s statement about this work would not be complete without acknowledging the degree to which the work was inspired by the awareness that it was being created for a quintet of extraordinary performers of the most beautiful and flowing musicianship—clarinet virtuoso Anthony McGill and the intrepid Brentano Quartet.
—Shulamit Ran
In program books, please list movements on the program page as follows:
STREAM for Clarinet and String Quartet [2015]
I. Con moto, espressivo—with a sense of foreboding—Energetic, very rhythmic
II. Calm, yet expressive—With a gradually increasing sense of rapture—Still, suspenseful
III. Resolute—Faster, energetic, forceful
—Played without break—
INFORMATION
Commissioned by the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society in celebration of its 30th Anniversary Season, through support of the William Penn Foundation
First performance:
April 17, 2016
Kimmel Center, Philadelphia
Anthony McGill, clarinet
Brentano String Quartet
Duration: c. 16’
SHEET MUSIC
Available from your favorite sheet music seller, or directly from Theodore Presser.