Singleton, Alvin: Argoru V/a

for bass clarinet

Argoru V/a is a unique work for solo bass clarinet that blends Singleton’s superb sequential treatment of material and clarity of form in a contemporary jazz setting. From the “Blues-like” introduction to the “swing” sections, phrasing and detailed articulation markings reflect the author’s close ties to the jazz idiom. His successful incorporation of extended techniques for the instrument, such as slap tongue and multiphonics, make this piece a very attractive addition to the solo bass clarinet repertoire. – David Keberle