Composer: Broughton, Bruce, 1945-
Country of origin: United States
Title: Conversations for Clarinet and String Quartet
Other titles:
Movements: Parley; A Chat; Tall Tale
Year(s) composed: 2010
Publisher: Brubel Muisc
Duration (in minutes): 20
Clarinet type: B-flat
Note: See comment below
The three movements of Conversations loosely follow a type of dialogue. The first, Parley, positions the clarinet and the quartet as protagonists, sometimes agreeing, sometimes disagreeing, as though in a negotiation. Harmonically, the two characters are often unrelated.
A Chat places the two elements in a position of agreement, each supporting the other, even harmonically. The movement finds little disagreement between the clarinet and the quartet, only comments, friendly suggestions and support.
The last movement, Tall Tale, has the character of a story being told, one that is at times excited, dramatic and sprawling, and headed for a punch line.
Source: score