Trio for a Spry Clarinet, Weeping Cello and Ruminating Harp

Note from the composer

When approaching the task of writing a piece for the unusual instrumentation of clarinet, cello, and harp, I was influenced by a mixture of different musical styles that, in my mind, relate to these instruments: folk music, Jewish klezmer, impressionism, and rock (after all, it is a known fact the cello originated from the electric guitar). As it often happens, the result is somewhat different than the original plan, but some elements from these genres have still found their way to the final version. The trio is loosely constructed out of three movements that are played in a row and offer different versions of similar themes, while each instrument aims to pull the musical style at its own direction. Toward the end of the piece, there is a triumphant moment at which all instruments showcase their individual variations simultaneously. Thus, they celebrate their difference in tone between the instruments as well as their blend together. Trio for a Spry Clarinet, Weeping Cello and Ruminating Harp is regularly performed around the world by various ensembles. In 2013 the piece won the International Composition Competition of the American Harp Society in Dallas.

Listen

Trio for a Spry Clarinet, Weeping Cello and Ruminating Harp performed by Israeli Chamber Project.