Ian Guthrie

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This Sonata Bipolare is unique to my oeuvre in many ways. First, it was the first sonata in my professional portfolio. Second, it was the first sonata in my professional portfolio. Furthermore, this was going to be the first work in my portfolioother than my Piano Trio from 2013to not have a programmatic title. Third, it was going to be my first multi-movement work in a while.
	However, because of the density of the work, the original sonata became three pieces. While I do not particularly like overly-programmatic symphonies, sonatas, or the like, almost all of my output has fanciful titles. Although generically-titled genres such as "sonata" allows the performers to be on equal footing as the music, once all the three movements became independent works in their own right, a more descriptive title was in order.
	Sonata Bipolare is essentially three concise movements presented in a mosaic fashion, and are ultimately an attempt to showcase the virtuosity of a clarinet-piano duo. The title thus reflects the formal construction of the work, rather than an emotional state or narrative. Thus, much like Kandinsky's Improvisations, this work provides an invitation for an emotional response, rather than a depiction of a pre-conceived emotion.
	Nonetheless, like almost all of my works, this work also is an invitation for you to find the emotional meaning of the music. While I give no official storyline, the power of music is what I give to you, and I hope you can most genuinely discover what this music says to you.

Sonata Bipolare

Clarinet Solo

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This piece began through a collaboration with Sebastian Buhts, Assistant Professor of Music at Lindenwood University (St. Charles, MO), which was decided in 2024 but fulfilled throughout 2025. When I was looking for ideas and materialsas well as a title appropriate for the universityI found their motto"to awake the roar of the lion within"and I immediately found inspiration. 
	However, this phrase reminded me of the Jewish writings of Amos, to which Martin Luther King, Jr. alluded in his famous statement, "Let justice roll down like a mighty stream." In this writingas well as several other writings from pan-Asian cultureslions frequently depict victory, strength, reverence, judgment, struggle, and royalty. In this work, I attempt to synthesize all these traits in a way that is accessible yet unique, engaging yet thought-provoking. 
	Therefore, Lindenwood University and their mission were seminal in the creation of this work. Yet they, and this piece, send a mission that extends far beyond their concert halls or building walls, one that encourages all to be impassioned for our convictions, persevering in our afflictions, and regal in our fruitions.

To Awake the Roar of the Lion Within

Concert Band Score & Parts

There are times when I seek out bands because I want to write. Northland Christian School's Blazer Band, however, caught me by surprise. While listening to bands at the Midwest Music Festival, I saw and heard the Blazer Band, and said to myself, "I need to write for this ensemble!" That idea was solidified in June 2023 that I would write a piece for them on their 2023-24 school theme, to be determined.

In July 2023, a mentor challenged me to "find a way to be myself" in whatever I composed, which is often imitational polyphony. When I said, "Most people cannot do that," the mentor responded, "Find a way!" Four months later, I believe I have found a way, utilizing the strengths of the Blazer Band with the size of a standard Grade 2 ensemble to create a unique, polyphonic effect.

As far as the title goes, it is a synthesis of the original musical ideas and the school theme for the year, "Love Well." Being curious how thrilling film-like music would fit the context, I tried different ideas until I considered the emotional rollercoasters in sacrificial love that is often missed in cultural discussions. I wanted to highlight to middle- and high-school students how unpredictable love can be emotionally, and that it is more of an exhilarating rollercoaster ride rather than a consistent emotional high. I hope this piece, too, helps you to
contemplate the concept of love, as described in the most ancient Greek Bibles, as well as Greek philosophy and other sources of wisdom.

The Exhilaration of Being Loved

There are times when I seek out bands because I want to write. Northland Christian School's Blazer Band, however, caught me by surprise.
While listening to bands at the Midwest Music Festival, I saw and heard the Blazer Band, and said to myself, "I need to write for this
ensemble!" That idea was solidified in June 2023 that I would write a piece for them on their 2023-24 school theme, to be determined.
In July 2023, a mentor challenged me to "find a way to be myself" in whatever I composed, which is often imitational polyphony.
When I said, "Most people cannot do that," the mentor responded, "Find a way!" Four months later, I believe I have found a way,
utilizing the strengths of the Blazer Band with the size of a standard Grade 2 ensemble to create a unique, polyphonic effect.
As far as the title goes, it is a synthesis of the original musical ideas and the school theme for the year, "Love Well." Being curious how
thrilling film-like music would fit the context, I tried different ideas until I considered the emotional rollercoasters in sacrificial love that
is often missed in cultural discussions. I wanted to highlight to middle- and high-school students how unpredictable love can be emotionally,
and that it is more of an exhilarating rollercoaster ride rather than a consistent emotional high. I hope this piece, too, helps you to
contemplate the concept of love, as described in the Bible, as well as Greek philosophy and other sources of wisdom.

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Sonata Bipolare

To Awake the Roar of the Lion Within

The Exhilaration of Being Loved

The Exhilaration of Being Loved