Fantasia Chalumeau

"Fantasia Chalumeau" is an unusual coupling of two alto voices: the viola and the ill-fated Eb alto clarinet. This duet explores the robust chalumeau register of the alto clarinet and eccentric personalities of both instruments. The piece opens to a deep, moody melody line in the alto clarinet as the viola thrashes about with unpredictable dynamic changes, unruly string scratches, and aggressive descending lines. The charming finale serves as a sort of swan song to the alto clarinet…a final bow showcasing the untapped potential of the instrument.