The Darkling Serenade

Reflections on Thomas Hardy's poem The Darkling Thrush inspired this multi-movement work for clarinets. The predominantly dark-grained timbre of the clarinet ensemble, capable of so many subtle changes in sound and mood, perfectly express the sometimes gaunt, sometimes frail but always optimistic thrush in these remarkable verses. But don't be mislead, this is a work of symphonic stature, powerful, demanding, full of surprises and an extraordinary piece of writing.