Masks for clarinet, cello, piano (2019/21)

Masks is published by Hidden Oaks Music Co.

Masks for clarinet, cello and piano (2019) was commissioned by the IonSound Project Ensemble for their 2019 concert season and CD recording project.

I was asked to write a relatively short composition inspired by certain aspects of the Beethoven’s Clarinet Trio. The title Masks suggests various layers of meaning in the music: I used motivic development procedures from the Classical period on rhythmic and/or melodic motives taken from or inspired by Beethoven’s Clarinet Trio, but I dressed the new melodies with harmonies and rhythms reminiscent of Spain’s music.

This is a new version (2021) and a revision of Masks. Looking in hindsight this work and title it kind of anticipated the covid-19 pandemia and the use of surgical masks. The original version of Masks was finished at the end of September 2019.

I – Incantation and consummation – In the first movement of Masks, I start the first and second themes with the half-step beginning melodic motive of the first theme of Beethoven’s first movement, as well as tree-note ascending design. The motivic connection with Beethoven is very subtle in the first movement.

II. Mischievous spirits – In the second movement of Masks, I took almost the entire rhythmic motive of the beginning theme of Beethoven’s 3rd movement. In addition, I varied the theme, although not in strict Variations like in the Beethoven. The spirit of the 2nd movement of Masks is also light and playful, just like the Beethoven.