SPRING FEVER

Composer's Note:

Spring Fever was completed in the spring of 1998 for clarinetist Robert Spring. Bob's only comment before I started was that I could make the piece as difficult as I wanted. (A very dangerous statement to make to a composer!) I tried to capture a bit of Bob's fiery personality and take advantage of Bob's strengths on the instrument. There are sections that feature rapid figuration and extremes of register. The piece also makes use of many extended techniques for the clarinet: multiphonics (the ability to play more than one pitch), flutter tongue, glissandos and portamentos. The three movements are interconnected through a series of motives that transform and transmute throughout the piece.