NORTON - TRIO FOR 2 CLARINETS AND PIANO

The Trio for 2 Clarinets and Piano is an arrangement of the Trio for Clarinet, Bassoon and Piano, written in 2012. The 1st movement, A Day Out is very much an "outdoor" piece, easy-going and tuneful, with a number of themes vying for attention, particularly the opening theme and the lyrical second. These musical elements are stirred about in various ways, including a striking syncopated figure. A development section leads via scale passages to canonic figures and a varied restatement, which includes a heroic version of the second main theme.

An Interlude is a soulful piece, with a declamatory piano introduction leading to a long lyrical main theme. A second section keeps the contemplative mood going and includes a passage for 2 clarinets without the piano. A restatement follows, in a loose canon between the clarinets. A coda gently lets the music wend its way out, with a final reference to the big tune right at the end.

A Breezy Day is a gently upbeat piece, with 6/8 and 5/8 featured, 5/8 probably being declared the winner. There are extrovert scale passages, syncopated rhythmic passages and the overall effect is light and airy, maybe even a bit breezy.