Description

Hijinx! for Clarinet Quartet was commissioned to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Hijinx Clarinet Quartet, a group named after the concept of “High Jinks,” which signifies “boisterous fun, celebration or merrymaking; wild or playful behavior.” To capture the spirit of the quartet, I met with each member individually, asking for three words that best captured the essence and contributions of their peers within the ensemble. These conversations not only yielded great descriptive words but also revealed fascinating stories about the quartet’s formation and the unique chemistry that has sustained their collaborative performances over the years.

Drawing inspiration from these descriptors and narratives, I incorporated these words and phrases into the work to guide the direction of the piece.  While each member is highlighted with a section that mirrors their individual characteristics, I interwove their stories with the ensemble’s characteristic virtuosity and dedication throughout the entire piece. The result is a work that embodies the joyous and playful spirit of the Hijinx Quartet, celebrating a decade of their shared musical journey.

In several sections, this work is in one continuous movement:

I. The Worker Bee
II. The Go-Getter
III. The Motivator
IV. A conversation between friends
V. The Jokester