Thomas Morley

Four Trios from the Renaissance Period

Rather unconventional on first sight: clarinets play Canzonets (i.e. vocal music) from the Renaissance period. According to Richard Strauss, the clarinet is the instrument that comes closest to the human voice. Thus, it seems legitimate to make students and other clarinet players familiar with Renaissance music. They (the Canzonets) pose no problem from a technical point of view, however, require the performer's absolute attention, because the parts have their own rhythmic ways. For instruction purposes, these little trios are of great help to practise ensemble playing, and as performance pieces they are a valuable and interesting addition to the repertoire.(taken from the preface)