Divertissements

Clarinet and Percussion: "Divertissements" for Bb clarinet and percussion by Howard J. Buss was composed in the autumn of 2016 for clarinetist Kathleen Mulcahy. This colorful composition is designed so that either one or two percussionists can perform it. The 3 movements take listeners through a wide range of emotions and sonic atmospheres. Lyrical sections that are playfully juxtaposed with forceful passages characterize the first movement, "Temporal Intrigues." The hauntingly beautiful second movement, "Mystic Eyes," has a dreamy, meditative quality. "Fusional Escapades" is energetic and, with the exception of the clarinet cadenza, the performers are equal partners. The sometimes-playful character of the music is reminiscent to that which occurs in the first movement.