Illegitimate Dance
for clarinet or alto saxophone and piano
Illegitimate Dance is an early work, written in 2004 for clarinet and piano. Its title is intentionally mischievous: the music possesses the energy and impulse of a dance without comfortably belonging to any particular dance tradition.
The piece is driven by rhythmic motion and the close interplay between its two performers. Clarinet and piano alternately lead, interrupt, accompany, and propel one another, allowing the music to move between moments of buoyancy, lyricism, and sharper rhythmic intensity. Rather than presenting a formalized dance, Illegitimate Dance plays with the idea of one—music animated by gesture, momentum, and the feeling that it ought to be moving somewhere, even when it refuses to behave quite as expected.
Originally composed for B-flat clarinet and piano, the work is also available in a version for alto saxophone and piano.
Performance Materials
Performance materials are available directly from the composer at competitive, ensemble-friendly rental rates. Please contact the composer to discuss your performance, ensemble needs, and rental options.
Performance History Tracking
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