for Bb clarinet, bass clarinet, and piano
commissioned by Caitlin Poupard
This piece was written around the relationship between Caitlin Poupard and her close friend, Stephanie Gardner. It is a set of short character pieces that ultimately follows this narrative:
A Reluctant Awakening focuses on the stark difference between Caitlin and Stephanie's morning habits. Apparently, the former is very much a morning person, and the latter can barely begin to consider waking up until coffee has been injected into her bloodstream. Thus, this movement focuses more on two very different personas within the same context.
Those Who Do Not Eat is influenced by the colloquial term "hangry," in which one's plummeting blood sugar levels and empty stomach result in grumpiness and a quick temper. Given that both Caitlin and Stephanie are workout buffs, I image that they burn through calories rather quickly and thus are quite susceptible to such a condition.
Cælestis Delirium focuses on the need for a nap, and the impending delirium and forgetfulness which can result.
Sparkle Time is a term coined by Stephanie's husband which describes the incessant laughing fits to which Caitlin and Stephanie are prone. To be sure, this movement focuses more on the term itself than the resulting laughing, but the context remains the same.