Parabolic

Concerto Bass Clarinet and Orchestra

ca. 15 minutes in duration

Orchestra Version Completed December 3rd 2021 in Baton Rouge, LA

Wind Ensemble Version Completed December 21st 2021 in DeLand, FL

Reduced Version Completed February 3rd 2022 in Baton Rouge, LA

This concerto was inspired by the idea of a parabola. In math these can be graphed using different exponential equations. One of the most simple is y=x^2. In the physical world, you may have seen these shapes in places and not even realized it: satellite dishes, water streams in the water fountain, the arcs of many different styles of bridges. These are all parabolas.

One interesting aspect of this shape is how waves reflect off of its various angles. If a wave enters the parabola directly, then no matter where it hits the structure, it will be reflected to the same focal point. (this is part of the reason why satellite dishes work) It was this property, along with the general arcing shape of a parabola, that inspired me while writing this work.

The music begins ominously in the lowest ranges of the orchestra, gradually transitioning to several more lively and higher pitched sections before eventually returning to the opening character at the end. I wanted to portray the idea of the original 'wave' spreading out from the focal point, and then returning to it by reflecting off of the parabolic shape. However, as the original wave would travel and reflect, it would intersect with other waves; forming new combinations of the various motives.

Full Intrumentation

This Concerto calls for the following instrumentation numbers:

• Solo Bass Clarinet

• Woodwinds in pairs (plus Contrabassoon) (one per part)

• Brass in pairs (plus Bass Trombone) (one per part)

• Three percussionists

  • timpani

  • marimba/vibraphone/suspended cymbal

  • crotales, bass drum, tam-tam

• Strings (8-8-6-4-4)

Other Versions

Reduction:

There is also a version featuring the Solo Bass Clarinet accompaniment by 2 pianos and marimba. The accompaniment parts are a reduction of the Orchestra score. This instrumentation as chosen to allow for the majority of ensemble textures and ideas to be feasibly performable with a small ensemble.

Wind Ensemble:

The version for wind ensemble has the following instrumentation:

• Solo Bass Clarinet

• Piccolo

• 2 Flutes

• 2 Oboes

• 3 Clarinets

• 1 Alto Clarinet

• 1 Contrabass Clarinet

• 2 Bassoons

• 1 Contrabassoon

• 2 Alto Saxophones

• 1 Tenor Saxophone

• 1 Baritone Saxophone

Additional Parts

These parts my be used with either the Orchestra or Wind Ensemble Versions. Please indicate if you need any of these parts as they do not come normally with either version.

• Contrabass Clarinet in Eb

• Trumpets in C and Bb

• Treble Clef Trombones

• Treble Clef Euphonium in Bb

• Percussion Score

• Condensed Score