Suite - BS CL

Suite 

for solo bass clarinet

by Reed Hanna

The Suite for Bass Clarinet is a concert piece for unaccompanied bass clarinet with four separate movements set in a traditional symphonic form (fast—slow—dance—fast). This version is a transcription of the original version for unaccompanied tuba, but the piece works equally well for exploring the technical and lyrical capabilities of the bass clarinet.

The first movement is a rhythmic, driving divertimento in G minor filled with catchy melodic motifs and soaring lyrical melodies. Performers will want to note the foreshadowing of the fourth movement material in the repeated biting low G’s throughout the movement.

The second movement is a song that showcases the vast range and singing capabilities of the instrument. The song begins with a cadenza-like section, and performers can feel free to use rubato throughout in their interpretation. Two versions of this movement, one in F major and one in C major, are included with this publication and the performer can choose the version that they prefer best.

The third movement is a playful scherzo in G major that owes much of it’s harmonic inspiration to the influence of the great 20^th Century French composers Eugene Bozza and Pierre Max Dubois.

The fourth movement is a sinister octatonic march that uses the tonal center of E. The march begins with a steady marching pulse and progressively builds upon melodic motifs that climax in a brief but heroic Mahler-inspired fanfare, only to then be overtaken once again by the sinister march theme.

REED HANNA . . . is quickly becoming a noteworthy new voice in the double reed community as a performer, composer, and educator. In addition to playing principal bassoon with the Augusta Symphony, he also plays regularly with several other orchestras in the southeastern United States.