Product Description
A set of parts on 8.5x11 size paper, the score is a separate download.
Richard (Dick) Jacob, commissioned Sophisticated Ebony, a concerto grosso for clarinet choir and winds, desiring a serious show piece for the entire clarinet family. Dick and I had both shared in numerous performances of various lighter works, such as Leroy Andersons famous (or perhaps infamous) Clarinet Candy, and we both agreed a new more serious concert piece featuring more than just the standard B-flat soprano clarinet was needed. Unlike other show pieces, Sophisticated Ebony embodies the concerto grosso ideal in that both clarinets and accompanying winds share most of the themes. From unison to harmonies divided amongst nine parts, the clarinet family (sometimes called a clarinet choir) is featured as a group as well as in solo roles featuring different members of the family.
The concerto is structured in four sections of one continuous movement: slow, fast, slow, fast, and offers contrasting moods, textures, and styles ranging from lyrical ballads to rock to jazz. Dick had requested jazz influences of more modern jazz eras featuring dense harmonies with frenetic energy and rhythms, but the title has no relation to Ellingtons Sophisticated Lady or Stravinskys Ebony Concerto. While ultimately serious in nature, if you listen carefully, you just might notice a brief nod to Leroy Andersons Clarinet Candy.
Richard Jacob, Professor Emeritus of Physics at Arizona State University, has dedicated Sophisticated Ebony to his clarinet teacher & professor of clarinet at Arizona State University, Josh Gardenercommissioned in honor of Joshua Gardner, who resurrected my love for playing the clarinet after a long hiatus pursuing other things.
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.