Selected Songs

These songs by Florence Price have been transcribed for bass clarinet, trying to utilise the full range of the instrument, whilst remaining close to the words and meaning of each song. The texts for each song are included with the score and should be studied at thoroughly as the notes themselves. Sarah Watts writes: These six songs were selected by myself and Kim Davenport for a recording project exploring music by black composers. I have transcribed them to bass clarinet by trying to utilise the full range of the instrument, whilst remaining close to the words and meaning of each song. The texts for each song are included with the score and should be studied at thoroughly as the notes themselves. As I first played, performed, and recorded using the vocal scores, I became very aware of how the words influenced my phrasing and articulation. Commas indicate breathing suggestions based on punctuation or suitable places in the words, and dotted legato lines indicate phrasing around the words. I chose to articulate the words as a singer may do. On the bass clarinet this meant me experimenting with different types of tonguing to create colour and a vocalisation via my instrument. These suggestions are my ideas, but each individual performer is encouraged to think about how they would sing each song. Piano score: 28 pages, spiral bound, part: 7 pages, booklet. Extended-range instrument required.