Carlin, Alexandre: Epic Variants

for Bass Clarinet and Concert Band

Epic Variants was commissioned for the 1st Clarinet Day in Anet (France), not far from La Couture-Boussey, where the clarinet was first invented. The work was premiered on May 7, 2022 by Didier Pernoit, bass clarinet soloist of the "Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio-France", accompanied by the Concert Band of Bû under the direction of the composer. The work is based on a theme that is harmonized with strong epic chord progressions and exploits the entire register of the bass clarinet, from dark low notes to soft high notes. The piece is in one part, but divided into three different tunings, each thematic material being a variation of the first.