Sprezzatura - Clarinet Solo - Score Video

Sprezzatura was composed in the fall of 2021. The title refers to a word described in Baldassare Castiglione's, The Book of the Courtier, written in 1528. It translates to, “studied carelessness”, and was used to describe how courtiers were expected to behave when attending court. Essentially, it is a kind of act in which a person makes themselves appear as though they are fully comfortable in any role they inhabit. It allows the courtier to hide their true intentions, thoughts, and emotions, and give off an aura of confidence.
Representing this idea in the music, there are two melodies in the work, both of which imply each other, but only one that is ever played and heard by the audience (representing the façade of Sprezzatura). The opening is slow, cool, reserved, and calculating; giving way to a more bombastic character. The interaction between introversion and extraversion builds to a revelation of the hidden melody.
The performer in this video is:
Katie Smith - Clarinet
Thank you for listening!