Commissioned by Quantum Spawn (Rudy Rodriguez and Leo Palma) in 2024 and premiered at Low Clarinet Fest on January 8, 2025.
The Anxious Hour opens with a clock chime, which reminds us that time marches forward, regardless of what is happening in the world. The chime moves into a groove, which is reminiscent of the intensity of our daily lives. The piece grooves/grinds along until we start to look up from our devices and find that the world is both beautiful and ugly. We feel the grind and pride in our productivity but can no longer ignore warfare, whether it’s across the world or at home. We have a moment of solemn reflection but cannot help but feel lost and emotionally drained. The world does not stop, however, for our existential dread, so the grind comes back for us. Time marches on.
Purchase the sheet music here:
www.cleverclarinetist.com/product-page/the-anxious-hour-for-2-bass-clarinets-to-low-c