“Pianic Phrases”

"Pianic Phrases" is a piece for clarinet trio that I originally wrote for solo piano while playing around with a light, minimalistic melody line in the right hand on top of a repeating, descending harmony made up of arpeggios in the left. These came together to make three strophic sections built upon similar "phrases" and it was here that I invented the term "pianic" to mean "characteristic of the piano". I found that the meters of 6/8 and 3/4 are satisfying when played at the same time as they add a wholesome, polyrhythmic groove to the piece. By adding the clarinet and cello, I was able to develop the melodic and harmonic movement which allowed me to enhance the piece’s jovial and nostalgic imagery. Together, these features make the piece resemble a montage that would accompany the rolling credits scene to an animated comedy-adventure film with an edifying message. Recorded at the Royal Academy of Music in February 2025 and premiered in April of the same year. Composer: Firdaus Aleshe Clarinet: Gemma Winfield Cello: Alex Lavine, Gonçalo Pires Piano: Zara Williams