Agents of Espionage

Composer Zachary Bramble says, As the title conveys,aAgents of Espionageawas inspired by the artful prowess of the spy. This work is composed for clarinet and electronic medium. The piece begins and ends illusively, carefully sneaking in and out until it finally ends with a stealthily fades out, much like the swiftness of a spy in pursuit. Though the piece has a distinct form, it includes somewhat of a programmatic feel with its 'spy' image becoming the work's main engine. The clarinet is formidably cast as the spy as it jumps in and out unexpectedly, but also carries a major structural role when playing the main themes. The electronic track accompanies the clarinet and is essentially its rival, pushing the clarinet to its extremes in register, dynamics, and color. The interplay between the two instruments provides a dark, yet distinct musical image of the spy's many talents, but also brings to light the many challenges that an agent of espionage must inevitably face.