ClarinetFest 2024: Duelling Reeds & Leads
Duelling Reeds & Leads is a 10-minute work for two clarinets and effect pedals which was commissioned by two wonderful clarinettists from the USA, Dr. Kelsey Paquin and Dr. Aileen Razey. The duo are headlining artists at this year’s ClarinetFest and will premiere the piece at the Dublin Convention Centre at 10.30am on 4 August 2024.
Initial ideas for this piece formed when listening to music for the Irish uilleann pipes. Highly unique and intricate, these pipes consist of seven reeds which enable accomplished players to produce mesmerising textures by sustaining octave drones and triadic harmonies while performing traditional tunes. When the opportunity arose to write for two clarinets and effect pedals, Murrough became determined to explore how the pedals he encountered as a blues guitarist could enhance the duo’s two reeds and create a ‘futuristic clarinet’ with unlimited possibilities. With a looper pedal to create the illusion of several clarinets and an octave pedal to achieve greater resonance and richness, this piece seeks to unearth new textural and harmonic dimensions for the clarinet by connecting two contrasting musical cultures, two reeds and various leads.
Cast in 3 sections, Duelling Reeds & Leads introduces each pedal one by one and develops different musical characters which eventually join forces and build towards an emphatic conclusion. Keep an eye and ear out for the score, parts and recording which will be released in early autumn! More details about the programme, performers and presenters at ClarinetFest 2024 can be found below:
