Quintet for clarinet and strings (Moore)

This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page. Please help improve this article by introducing citations to additional sources. Find sources: "Quintet for clarinet and strings" Moore – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (August 2015)

Quintet for clarinet and strings is a piece of chamber music by the American composer Douglas Moore.

Background

In 1946, the

. The premiere was given the following year. It was first performed on May 6, 1947 by the Juilliard String Quartet, Harry Noble soloist.

Structure and Analysis

The work is in traditional sonata form and consists of four movements

1. Allegro risoluto
2. Andante comodo
3. Adagio recitativo
4. Allegro ritmico

The first movement is the most dynamic and is chiefly dominated by a tensely rhythmic figure achieved by a

. This duality of rhythm becomes most obvious when the two components are handled by different instruments, but the combination and tension that is achieved gives this movement its impetus

The second movement is considerably relaxed in mood and is introduced by a melodic figure on violin which becomes the contrapuntal background to the main theme, first given by clarinet. The theme subsequently continues throughout the piece.

The third movement is the shortest movement of the quintet, it commences with a brooding soliloquy on clarinet accompanied by the viola which is the picked up by the remaining strings and is allowed to fade out.

The finale consists of a robust, dancing and peasant-like refrain of shifting rhythm which alternates in the fashion of a rondo with contrasting material. It is the quintet's most joyful movement.

Reception

The clarinet quintet was quite favourably received upon its first performance and the New York Herald Tribune praised its: "Spontaneous lyricism, expert craftmanship and utter freedom from stylistic mannerisms".^{[citation needed]} It is Moore's most famous and popular chamber piece and has received (as of 2006) at least two commercial recordings.

References