Caprice en Trio (score & parts) - FL/CL/BSN

Caprice en Trio
for flute, clarinet, and bassoon
by Thomas L Read (b. 1938)- American composer and violinist

As implied by its title, the music of Caprice en Trio is fanciful and somewhat mutable in texture and style, setting "learned" counterpoint against free lyricism, while also encompassing tonal and non-tonal harmonies and conjuring humorous and bizarre episodes. All rhythmic and melodic material necessary for the entire pieces is drawn systematically from the initial seven-measure phrase. Nevertheless, the music is composed to sounds as a free-wheeling musical discourse between independent-minded performers...of whom great virtuosity and careful preparation are required for effective delivery in concert. 
The dramatic curve of the entire structure is not readily aligned with any traditional pattern. Disparate sections occur successively, or are overlapped and occasionally heard simultaneously. In the penultimate episode, an extended flute impromptu accompanied by clarinet and bassoon is followed by a lively propulsive coda.