THIS IS A DIGITAL COPY! ONCE DELIVERED, ALL DIGITAL SALES ARE FINAL (no feasible way to return). THERE WILL BE A SMALL STATEMENT ON EACH PAGE THAT WILL READ: "AUTHORIZED DIGITAL PURCHASE (BUYER'S NAME). REPRODUCING AND/OR SHARING DIGITAL MATERIALS IS A VIOLATION OF COPYRIGHT LAW." PLEASE ALLOW 12-24 HOURS FOR DELIVERY. THANK YOU!

It Feels Like... for solo clarinet (with optional bongo part) is intended to be performed using ANY clarinet in the clarinet family, with a few alternative low C options included. This music directly reflects emotions brought about during the COVID-19 pandemic. Isolation can trigger emotional turmoil, and we never know how we may react until we are faced with it.

The first movement, "Phoning it In," represents going through the motions of the day but feeling disconnected or stuck in a repetitive pattern. In compound meter and set in d minor, unexpected accented notes suggest frustration and could signify a factory whistle or alarm clock. Those who have experienced isolation will easily relate to the somber nature of the second movement titled "Loneliness," also set in d minor. The emotional climax is firmly marked by an unresolved low C-sharp that lingers before the main theme makes its closing appearance. Finally, the third and final movement, titled "Rounding the Corner," set in B-flat Major, is rhythmic and exciting. It is a celebration of hope for things to improve, but there is a touch of insanity as well. Imagine spinning around and around in circles, succumbing to the dizziness to the point of embracing the chaos. Pair the optional bongo part with the third movement for a very lively finish!

You can find a beautiful recording of Trevor Stewart (and Joshua Knight, bongos) playing It Feels Like… at clarinetplayground.com as well as the Clarinet Playground YouTube channel (link included below). Trevor also served as the primary musical editor and consultant for this project. As always, his feedback and expertise were invaluable. I am so excited to have Trevor as a part of Clarinet Playground. He is a true gem!

Performance notes are also included (provided by Trevor Stewart).

This music is registered with ASCAP. Please report all performances and/or send a program to me. Thank you!

Pages: Clarinet part - 7, Bongo part - 2
Key: d minor, Bb major
Meters: 12/8, cut time, 4/4
Range: Low E to high Eb (just crossing into the altissimo range)
Low C option: optional range down to low C for those with extended low clarinets
Level: Upper Intermediate and Beyond
Duration: 8'30"

Here is the short promo for this piece:

Here is the full recording!