{"title":"Strings","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"on-sorrow-bass-clarinet-string-quartet","title":"ON SORROW (bass clarinet and string quartet)","description":"\u003cp\u003eINSTRUMENTATION: \u003cspan\u003e Bass Clarinet and String Quartet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDURATION: c. 30:00\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYEAR COMPOSED: 2018\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommissioned by Bruce Belton.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTHIS IS A DIGITAL PRODUCT: Purchase includes digital download of score and a complete set of parts in PDF format.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wqBNUfJA48Y?si=8k3e7YQ_8Vp14xHe\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"style-scope ytd-text-inline-expander\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringHost ytAttributedStringWhiteSpacePreWrap\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringLinkInheritColor\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"expanded\" class=\"style-scope ytd-text-inline-expander\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringHost ytAttributedStringWhiteSpacePreWrap\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringLinkInheritColor\" dir=\"auto\"\u003ePROGRAM NOTE: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"style-scope ytd-text-inline-expander\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringHost ytAttributedStringWhiteSpacePreWrap\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringLinkInheritColor\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"style-scope ytd-text-inline-expander\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringHost ytAttributedStringWhiteSpacePreWrap\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringLinkInheritColor\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eSorrow is inevitable in all of our lives. We all carry the weight of our losses. For no matter how lucky a life we live, the simple fact remains that the longer we are here the more loss we will experience. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"style-scope ytd-text-inline-expander\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringHost ytAttributedStringWhiteSpacePreWrap\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringLinkInheritColor\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"style-scope ytd-text-inline-expander\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringHost ytAttributedStringWhiteSpacePreWrap\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringLinkInheritColor\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\"On Sorrow\" is in five continuous movements that flow together without pause: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"style-scope ytd-text-inline-expander\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringHost ytAttributedStringWhiteSpacePreWrap\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringLinkInheritColor\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"style-scope ytd-text-inline-expander\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringHost ytAttributedStringWhiteSpacePreWrap\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringLinkInheritColor\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eI. Prelude – Loss \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"style-scope ytd-text-inline-expander\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringHost ytAttributedStringWhiteSpacePreWrap\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringLinkInheritColor\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eII. Withdrawal \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"style-scope ytd-text-inline-expander\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringHost ytAttributedStringWhiteSpacePreWrap\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringLinkInheritColor\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eIII. Rage \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"style-scope ytd-text-inline-expander\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringHost ytAttributedStringWhiteSpacePreWrap\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringLinkInheritColor\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eIV. Consolation (O Vos Omnes) \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"style-scope ytd-text-inline-expander\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringHost ytAttributedStringWhiteSpacePreWrap\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringLinkInheritColor\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eV. Renewal – Postlude\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"style-scope ytd-text-inline-expander\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringHost ytAttributedStringWhiteSpacePreWrap\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringLinkInheritColor\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"style-scope ytd-text-inline-expander\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringHost ytAttributedStringWhiteSpacePreWrap\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringLinkInheritColor\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eThe piece opens with wispy string chords in a stuttering rhythm, with the bass clarinet floating above, evoking the eternal, endless river of time, the neutral backdrop to the cares and concerns of living. This figure also takes on a quality of “fate,” appearing again, suddenly loud and forceful, at the climaxes of the first, third, and fifth movements. After a few minutes of this material, the main “sorrow” theme of the piece enters: a circular, chromatic figure in five. This material begins slowly and lugubriously, but gradually starts to become more flowing and buoyant. Before it can go too far in this direction, however, it is interrupted by a hammering version of the “fate” motive. This is followed by two intense statements of the “sorrow” theme, and then a high, wispy version that melts into the second movement. Movement 2 (“Withdrawal”) evokes the sense of turning inward and separating from the world that is often our initial way of coping with the shock of a calamitous event. The bass clarinet plays fragmentary melodies over quiet, repeating chords in the strings that begin high and ethereal, and gradually drift down and down and down. At the end, there is a low, subdued statement of the “sorrow” theme – which then triggers the third movement’s sudden outburst. Movement 3 (“Rage”) is aggressive, dissonant, and driving. There are several new themes, and the “sorrow” theme is also sucked into the vortex. Its narrow chromatic pitches are played in close canon to create buzzing, insect-like swirls of dissonance. The music churns to a climax, and the bass clarinet is left alone on one of its lowest pitches. The strings hammer out the “fate” motive repeatedly as the bass clarinet ascends four octaves, almost its entire range, and is left hanging alone on a searing high note. When the bass clarinet stops, a lone, gentle sustained cello note emerges, leading into the fourth movement, “Consolation (O Vos Omnes).” This movement consists entirely of fragments from Tomás Luis de Victoria’s choral work “O Vos Omnes,” composed in the vicinity of 1572. It is a beautiful, contemplative work, setting a text from Lamentations, which translates as: “O you that pass by, behold, and see: if there be any sorrow like my sorrow. Pay attention, all people, and see my sorrow: if there be any sorrow like my sorrow.” I knew early on that Victoria’s composition would inform my own, both because it is such a potent musical evocation of sorrow, and, more personally, because it has itself been a source of consolation for me in difficult times. As my piece developed, it became clear to me that directly quoting Victoria’s work would be the most compelling way to provide the “consolation”\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"style-scope ytd-text-inline-expander\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringHost ytAttributedStringWhiteSpacePreWrap\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringLinkInheritColor\" dir=\"auto\"\u003emusic I was seeking. It is deeply inspiring and humbling to me that a piece of music composed 450 years ago can still speak to us so directly and immediately today. It is a testament to the power of music itself to console, as well as to the power of spirituality and our common humanity, even across many generations and centuries. As the fourth movement ends, Victoria’s final cadence morphs into a statement of the “sorrow” theme. The bass clarinet begins movement 5 (“Renewal”) with tentative fragments of this theme, which are then picked up by the first violin. The other instruments gradually join in, with the theme gathering in strength and confidence, finally culminating in a vigorous tango, a swirling, churning dance of life. Sorrow is not denied or defeated, but instead becomes the very basis for renewal and hope. As in the first movement, the dance is cut short by a hammering return of the “fate” motive. This time, however, the harmonies build and finally resolve to a triumphant D major chord. The chord melts away and we are left once again with three iterations of the slow, contemplative version of the “sorrow” theme, rising higher each time, finally leaving the bass clarinet suspended gently in the air. The quiet, wispy version of the opening “fate” motive enters in the strings, and the piece ends as it began, with the bass clarinet suspended over a gently pulsating ocean of time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"snippet\" class=\"style-scope ytd-text-inline-expander\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv slot=\"extra-content\" class=\"style-scope ytd-watch-metadata\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"video-summary\" class=\"style-scope ytd-structured-description-content-renderer\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"merch-shelf\" class=\"style-scope ytd-structured-description-content-renderer\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"ticket-shelf\" class=\"style-scope ytd-structured-description-content-renderer\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"items\" class=\"style-scope ytd-structured-description-content-renderer\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringHost ytAttributedStringWhiteSpacePreWrap\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ytAttributedStringLinkInheritColor\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49643576393966,"sku":null,"price":59.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0828\/6738\/8654\/files\/OnSorrow-FINALp3.jpg?v=1790731647"},{"product_id":"double-concerto-for-clarinet-and-cello-piano-reduction","title":"DOUBLE CONCERTO FOR CLARINET AND CELLO, PIANO REDUCTION (clarinet, cello, and piano)","description":"\u003cp\u003eINSTRUMENTATION: \u003cspan\u003eClarinet, Cello, and Piano\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDURATION: c. 19:30\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYEAR COMPOSED: 2021\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePiano reduction of the original orchestral version, which was c\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eommissioned by the Peninsula Symphony and San Francisco Chamber Orchestra\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTHIS IS A DIGITAL PRODUCT: Purchase includes digital download of score and a complete set of parts in PDF format.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e(video is of the orchestral version)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SwdV6-W5LWY?si=SJBEbbtzDFL8KoH-\u0026amp;start=288\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePROGRAM NOTE:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe combination of clarinet and cello has special significance for me; my wife plays the cello, and we fell in love in college playing the Brahms Clarinet Quintet together. It should perhaps come as no surprise, then, that my \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDouble Concerto for Clarinet, Cello, and Orchestra\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e turned out to be especially lyrical and romantic. The work is in two movements, with a slowly unfolding, lyrical first movement giving way to a fast and driving second movement. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49643576951022,"sku":null,"price":29.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0828\/6738\/8654\/files\/clarinetcelloconcerto-pianoreduction-FINALp2.jpg?v=1790721421"},{"product_id":"ball-passing-mixed-chamber-ensemble","title":"BALL PASSING (flute, 2 clarinets, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, 2 cellos, piano)","description":"\u003cp\u003eINSTRUMENTATION: F\u003cspan\u003elute, 2 Clarinets\/Bass Clarinets, 2 Trumpets, 2 Trombones, 2 Cellos, Piano\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDURATION: c. 7:00\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYEAR COMPOSED: 2019\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommissioned by Garrett + Moulton Productions and made possible through the generous support of New Music USA.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTHIS IS A DIGITAL PRODUCT: Purchase includes digital download of score and a complete set of parts in PDF format.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?url=https%3A\/\/api.soundcloud.com\/tracks\/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A775092499\u0026amp;color=%23ff5500\u0026amp;auto_play=false\u0026amp;hide_related=true\u0026amp;show_comments=false\u0026amp;show_user=true\u0026amp;show_reposts=false\u0026amp;show_teaser=false\u0026amp;visual=true\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc; line-break: anywhere; word-break: normal; overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap; text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif; font-weight: 100;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/soundcloud.com\/jonathan-russell-22\" title=\"Jonathan Russell\" style=\"color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eJonathan Russell\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/soundcloud.com\/jonathan-russell-22\/ball-passing\" title=\"Ball Passing\" style=\"color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBall Passing\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49643577049326,"sku":null,"price":39.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0828\/6738\/8654\/files\/BallPassing-FINALp2.jpg?v=1790720161"},{"product_id":"procession-and-burlesque-mixed-chamber-ensemble","title":"PROCESSION AND BURLESQUE (flute, bass clarinet, electric guitar, piano, bass)","description":"\u003cp\u003eINSTRUMENTATION: Flute, Bass Clarinet, Electric Guitar, Piano, Bass\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDURATION: c. 8:15\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYEAR COMPOSED: 2019\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTHIS IS A DIGITAL PRODUCT: Purchase includes digital download of score and a complete set of parts in PDF format.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ZW_BPUDU0zQ?si=E2OUNZN5DERzY1FY\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePROGRAM NOTE:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eProcession and Burlesque\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e was commissioned by the Rochester-based ensemble five-by-five as a response to Judith Schaechter’s stunning stained glass work “The Battle of Carnival and Lent” (above). The work on its own is so vital and fresh, so teeming with energy, passion, and intricate detail, that I was initially doubtful about what music could possibly add to it. The approach that finally clicked for me was to think about the inherent qualities of the two media; specifically, that a work of visual art is temporally static, while music progresses through time. The thing that music could add, then, was a narrative. If the artwork depicted a single snapshot in time, what might have led up to this moment – and what would come after? After an introduction that sets the tone and mood, the “Procession” depicts the lead-up to the moment depicted in the stained glass, as the opposing sides of human nature represented by “carnival” and “lent” warily approach one another, getting closer and closer. An ominous melody repeats again and again, getting more intense and insistent on each iteration, like a procession gradually getting closer and closer. Then a brief pause as the two sides size each other up…and then all hell breaks loose in the madcap “Burlesque,” a whirling frenzy of klezmer, surf rock, and manic carnival music. After building to a searing climax, the “introduction” music returns, and gradually winds down. We are left amidst the wreckage, devastatingly aware of the steep cost of the conflict.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49643577147630,"sku":null,"price":44.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0828\/6738\/8654\/files\/ProcessionandBurlesque-scorep3_8f848309-8129-4a32-8da7-5e7cd2766bc7.jpg?v=1790718300"},{"product_id":"double-concerto-for-clarinet-cello-and-orchestra","title":"DOUBLE CONCERTO FOR CLARINET, CELLO, AND ORCHESTRA","description":"\u003cp\u003eINSTRUMENTATION: \u003cspan\u003eSolo Clarinet, Solo Cello, and Orchestra (2 fl, 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bsn, 3 hn, 2 tpt, perc, strings)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDURATION: c. 19:30\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYEAR COMPOSED: 2021\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommissioned by the Peninsula Symphony and San Francisco Chamber Orchestra\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTHIS IS A DIGITAL PRODUCT: Purchase includes digital download of score and a complete set of parts in PDF format.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SwdV6-W5LWY?si=rYesF3mC3KLO7y5q\u0026amp;start=288\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePROGRAM NOTE:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe combination of clarinet and cello has special significance for me; my wife plays the cello, and we fell in love in college playing the Brahms Clarinet Quintet together. It should perhaps come as no surprise, then, that my \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDouble Concerto for Clarinet, Cello, and Orchestra\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e turned out to be especially lyrical and romantic. The work is in two movements, with a slowly unfolding, lyrical first movement giving way to a fast and driving second movement. It was commissioned and premiered by the Peninsula Symphony with myself and cellist Nathan Chan as soloists. This version for a smaller orchestra was commissioned and premiered by the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra with Jeff Anderle and Hannah Addario-Berry as soloists.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49643577245934,"sku":null,"price":245.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0828\/6738\/8654\/files\/clarinetcelloconcertoorchestratedFINAL-chamberorchestraversionp3.jpg?v=1790715198"}],"url":"https:\/\/jonrussellmusic.com\/collections\/strings.oembed","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}