Jonathan Russell

Composer, Clarinetist, Bass Clarinetist

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Sqwonklet #1

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The first of five “Sqwonklets” I am going to compose: short bass clarinet duets that are at an intermediate level AND fully in the Sqwonk spirit. This commission will be funded by a consortium. YOU can join! Learn more about the project and join the commissioning consortium HERE!  

Song of the Ancient Night

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NOTE: Sheet music for this work will be available for purchase starting on January 1, 2026. Please contact Jon for more information.   Generously commissioned by a consortium of the following ensembles, conductors, and individuals: Arizona State University Wind Ensemble Jason Caslor, Conductor (Consortium Lead); Old Dominion University Wind Ensemble, Tyler Austin, Conductor; University of […]

Incantation

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Composed for the 2025 Low Clarinet Festival

Still Here (clarinet and orchestra version)

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PROGRAM NOTE: It’s the evening of February 25th, 2022. In the darkness, a grainy 30-second selfie video of five men on the streets of Kiev: “Good evening to all” says the gravelly voice of the man in front, holding the phone. “The leader of the bloc is here. The head of the President’s office is […]

Prelude for Clarinet and Piano

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A lyrical and expressive piece adapted from the first movement of my composition “Suite for Flute and Piano.”

Slow Loris (clarinet and piano version)

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Originally a tune for my klezmer band Zoyres, it later became the second movement of my clarinet choir composition “Claremont Suite,” then a bass clarinet ensemble piece for Improbable Beasts, and finally this clarinet and piano version.

Groovetude #5, for clarinet and piano

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In 2019, I was commissioned by saxophonist Jonathan Wintringham to compose a set of concert etudes for alto saxophone and piano specifically focused on helping classically trained players learn how to “groove.” I wrote five in all and called them “Groovetudes.” The fifth one, a Balkan-influenced dance tune in a fast eleven, seemed to lend […]

Sonata #2 for Bass Clarinet and Piano

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PROGRAM NOTE: I think of “Sonata #2 for Bass Clarinet and Piano” as a sort of exhale after the tumultuous Trump and Covid-19 years. During that time, I wrote a series of pieces responding pretty directly to external events – the Trump presidency, the covid-19 pandemic, the police murder of George Floyd which led to […]

Slow Loris

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NOTE: The Bb clarinet part is optional. The piece can work successfully solely as a bass clarinet ensemble piece. Originally a tune for my klezmer band Zoyres, it later became the second movement of my clarinet choir composition “Claremont Suite,” and finally took this form in the fall of 2023, for bass clarinet ensemble with […]

You Are The Universe In Ecstatic Motion

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“Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you. Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion. Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames.” – Rumi

look at me now

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A bold and confident work, inspired by a Swiss violist’s t-shirt.

THAT

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While rehearsing a very very different piece called “This” in another ensemble, an insistent swinging little groove came into my head and wouldn’t leave. That groove became the basis for “THAT.” For the full experience, check out the “THAT” DELUXE Package, which includes sheet music, studio recording, backing tracks, an instructional video, AND Jon’s personal […]

The Midway Blues

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If someone ever made a sitcom or reality show about the Improbable Beasts bass clarinet ensemble, this is what the theme song might sound like… For the full experience, check out the Midway Blues DELUXE Package, which includes sheet music, studio recording, backing tracks, an instructional video, AND Jon’s personal altissimo fingering chart.

A Hymn to 45

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Commissioned by Nakedeye Ensemble for pianist Ju-Ping Song as part of the Soloing2020 project. Composed in a white heat of rage during the summer of 2020. Dedicated to all of the Enablers. We see you. We won’t forget you.

Shadows in the Starlight

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Commissioned for the collection “Lyrical Flute Encores” by Karen North (ed.), an exciting new repertoire book for intermediate level Flute & Piano. 18 exclusive commissioned works by contemporary composers from around the world, each bringing their unique perspective to the lyrical and expressive qualities of the flute. From haunting melodies to playful rhythms, the music […]

Bullfrog’s Love Chant (unrequited)

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“Bullfrog’s Love Chant (unrequited)” tells the story of a bullfrog emerging from the depths of a swamp, looking for love. He struts his stuff, showing off his agility, his romantic spirit, his dance moves, and his deep, deep voice. But it is to no avail. Finally, resigned, he slinks back down into the mud from […]

On G

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For any number of low clarinets

Bass Clarinet Double Concerto: bass clarinet choir version

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My basic idea for the Bass Clarinet Double Concerto was of Weber’s clarinet concertos meeting heavy metal. I am intimately familiar with both genres, through extensively practicing the Weber concertos in high school, and performing heavy metal bass clarinet tunes as a member of the Edmund Welles bass clarinet quartet. When it came to writing […]