Description
The definition of Catharsis is:
1) A purification or purgation of the emotions (such as pity and fear) primarily through the arts.
2) A purification or purgation that brings about spiritual renewal or release from tension.
This piece for woodwind ensemble attempts to musically represent the experience of an emotional catharsis. The negative emotions are represented by a sinister fanfare and several reoccurring themes that are manipulated throughout the first half of the piece using elements of Romantic, Jazz, and film score music. In the middle section of the piece, new themes are introduced as the music gradually evolves toward a major key tonality. Even then, fragments of the “negative” themes are played alongside these new ones, as these sorts of emotions still leave their mark even when purged for a time. Eventually, the struggle is over as the piece reaches a triumphant ending that re-states the beginning fanfare in a major tonality and brings the piece to a close. An optional E-flat Contra Alto Clarinet part is included to be used, if needed, in place of a B-flat Contrabass Clarinet.