"Vocalise" is a song by Sergei Rachmaninoff, composed and published in 1915 as the last of his 14 Songs or 14 Romances, Op. 34. Written for high voice (soprano or tenor) with piano accompaniment, it contains no words, but is sung using only one vowel of the singer's choosing. It was dedicated to soprano singer Antonina Nezhdanova. It is performed in various instrumental arrangements more frequently than in the original vocal version.
i Moderato Pesante, ii Adagio Ma Non Troppo, iii Allegro Moderato
Inspired immediately after the buying of my bass clarinet in the summer of 1991, this piece is generally jovial in character with luscious melodies and a romping, mischievous character. The middle movement is rather more austere, showing the bass clarinet’s darker, more serious side.
This piece is based on an improvisation by my father, Michael Davenport, that dates from the early 1980s, placing it in my earliest musical memories. The etheral creation may have been lost had my mother not decided it was worth writing down that day. Atop the single page of notes with a loose rhythmic notation, she gave the music the simple title Song. — Davenport
Hannah Shilvock & Viola Lenzi (Clarinet/Piano Duo)
Bass clarinetist Hannah Shilvock and pianist Viola Lenzi form a dynamic and expressive duo dedicated to showcasing the bass clarinet as a lyrical and virtuosic solo instrument. Since forming in 2022 after having met at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, they have performed widely across the UK, Ireland, Italy, and Lanzarote, captivating audiences with their distinctive programming and artistic synergy. With a diverse repertoire list spanning multiple periods and styles (including commissions and their own arrangements), the duo brings a unique blend of musicality and passion to every performance.
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