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Instrumentation
Additional Information
Written in 2021, Journey of Life is scored for a trio consisting of standard clarinet in Bb, bass clarinet and harp. It lasts around 4¼ minutes.
The title can be explained by the following definition: “Life is a journey filled with lessons, hardships, heartaches, joys, celebrations and special moments that will ultimately lead us to our destination, our purpose in life. The road will not always be smooth; in fact, throughout our travels, we will encounter many challenges.” The sections of this piece suggest some of the hardships and joys, culminating in our life’s purpose.
The opening is Andante and introduces an angular motive in the harp with descending melodic phrases played by the clarinets. The second section uses triplet figuration and slow moving melodic phrases, firstly played by harp and clarinets respectively, then in reverse. After a build up, the clarinets play the same melody but slower, followed by harp playing tremolos and harmonics.
The tempo quickens and the opening music returns, framed by fast moving music in the clarinets which, later in combination with the harp, build up to a climax.
Here the tempo moves to Allegro Molto and the final section suggests our life’s goal or purpose. This is a rhythmic dance based on the opening harp motive, which brings the piece to a satisfying conclusion.
