Cover photo courtesy of Hunter Nguy
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This work is characterized by the juxtaposition between reflection, longing, and chaos. “Solemn Bliss” is a bit of an oxymoron. It implies something serious and dignified yet somehow positive and cheerful. In a way, it’s quite ambiguous. It’s not always easy to definitively label experiences and emotions. Such that there’s always light that shines through dark moments.
Premiered performance by the Plattsburgh Clarinet Choir on August 2nd, 2025.
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Instrumentation
1 – E♭ Alto Clarinet 1
1 – E♭ Alto Clarinet 2 (extended range recommended) ***
1 – E♭ Alto Clarinet 3 *
2 – E♭ Alto Clarinet 4 *
1 – B♭ Bass Clarinet 1
1 – B♭ Bass Clarinet 2
1 – B♭ Bass Clarinet 3 (Low C optional)
2 – B♭ Bass Clarinet 4 (div. a2) (Low C required)
1 – E♭ Contra-alto Clarinet 1
1 – E♭ Contra-alto Clarinet 2 (Low D required, Low C optional) **
1 – B♭ Contrabass Clarinet 1 (Low C optional)
2 – B♭ Contrabass Clarinet 2 (Low C required, Low B optional)
Additional Parts:
1 – F Basset Horn 1 (Alto Clarinet 3 transposed)
1 – F Basset Horn 2 (Alto Clarinet 4 transposed)
1 – E♭ Octocontra-alto Clarinet (Low C optional) (opt.)
1 – B♭ Octocontrabass Clarinet (Low C optional) (opt.)
Recommended number of players for optimal balance. Alto Clarinet 4, Bass Clarinet 4, and Contrabass Clarinet 2 may be played one on a part if player numbers are limited. Octocontra clarinet parts are optional and may be used if available. Doubling of other parts left up to director’s discretion. Strive to maintain balance proportionally (don’t want to bury the rest of the ensemble with an army of bass clarinets!)
* Basset Horns 1 & 2 may be used to substitute for Alto Clarinet 3 & 4 if necessary. Optimally, the 4th part can be doubled with one playing Alto Clarinet 4 and the other playing Basset Horn 2.
** Low E♭ is not required for Contra-alto Clarinet 2, so an extension tube or bell may be used to play Low D if a Low D/C instrument is not available.
*** Low D♯/E♭ is required in a solo passage for Alto Clarinet 2 at m. 58/59. Using an extended instrument or a vented bell will better match the tone color of this note to the rest of notes prior in the solo. However, it is not strictly necessary and may be performed on a standard Low E♭ instrument.