Erin Bozek

Junior Recital Program Notes

Gerald Finzi Five Bagatelles (I. Prelude and II. Romance)
Born in London in 1901, Gerald Finzi became one of Englands most prominent composers of the early
20th century. Finzi faced several tragedies early in his life, including the deaths of his father and his first
music teacher, Ernest Farrar. These losses impacted him greatly, and he found solace in poetry and
composition. Throughout the course of his life, Finzi worked with other English composers, namely
Gustav Holst and Ralph Vaughan Williams. Mostly known for his Clarinet Concerto, Five Bagatelles,
and choral works, Finzis compositional style reflects his inner turmoil and emotion. His works embrace
the intensity and fragility of human existence, ranging from softer, reflective motives to joyous,
celebratory pieces as well. He passed away in 1956.
Finzis Five Bagatelles, Op. 23, written for clarinet and piano in 1945, has become one of the standards
for clarinetists everywhere. This piece reflects the impact of Finzis idolatry of J.S. Bach on his
compositions. The first two movements, I. Prelude and II. Romance, exemplify Finzis ability to portray
strong emotion in beautiful ways. The Prelude opens with a somewhat bouncy theme that returns
throughout the movement. Finzis appreciation for the range of the clarinet is evident in this movement,
as each melodic line stretches through all of the instruments tone colors. Moving into a more lyrical
middle section, Finzis characteristic falling minor 7th is brought forth, illustrating a sense of longing
before returning to the main theme to end the movement on a hopeful note. The Romance brings an
entirely new feeling to the listener. With a melodic motive that switches between duple and triple lines,
the Romance reflects a sense of fragility and nostalgia. The delicate leaps in the clarinet create a feeling
of longing and desire with a quiet intensity.
Bernhard Henrik Crusell - Introduction et Air Sudois Vari
Bernhard Henrik Crusell was born in 1775 in Finland. After moving to Stockholm, Sweden at age 16,
Crusell became incredibly successful as a clarinetist in Europe, acting as principal for the Royal Court
Orchestra. He studied clarinet technique in Berlin with Franz Tausch and composition in Paris. His
compositional works include three clarinet concertos, several chamber pieces for woodwind groups, and a
Sinfonia Concertante, along with other works that were primarily clarinet-based. Crusell has been said to
have inspired Carl Maria von Webers two clarinet concertos. Upon his passing in 1838, Crusells
influence grew, and he is arguably now known as the most well-known Finnish-born Classical composer.
In 1982, a festival in his name, Crusell Week, was held in Uusikaupunki, Finland to celebrate music for
woodwind instruments. The festival has been held annually ever since.
Crusells Introduction et Air Sudois Vari, or Introduction and Variations on a Swedish Air, premiered
in 1804. The introduction opens with a bright melody that gives listeners an exciting preview for what is
to follow. The beautiful theme flows through the clarion register of the clarinet, ending softly and
delicately. The first variation brings a sense of excitement and bounce that is a complete turn-around from
the gentle theme. However, the second theme brings back a softer, more subdued melody that creates a
flowy sense of calm. The third movement once again changes the mood very suddenly with a triplet motif
that resembles a jolly dance. The fourth variation takes a darker turn, with a modulation to the relative
minor. The melancholy lines are tragically beautiful and soft. The piece then returns to the upbeat,
energetic feel with a closing variation that is full of joy, excitement, and a triumphant finish.