Fairest Lord Jesus

A duet for clarinets and piano and is presented as a suite. Titles include “Christmas Is Here- Weinacht Is Heut,” “Alle Jahre Wieder,” “Come, Ye Shepherds- Kommet, Ihr Hirten.” Can be performed as a solo.

An accompanied clarinet duet which begins with a melodic motif and then presents the hymn tune in untision my the two parts. The chorus then breaks into a duet harmonization in a straight forward manner. The next section presents the first part in a melodically altered rendition with the second part answering in an obbligato like fashion. The middle section is a Q&A forma with the piano dropping out, followed by a piano solo section. A modulation now gives rise to the second part acting as a solo, followed by another moduation where the first takes over as a soloist. Then another modulation and then the two parts present the chorus in a straight duet section. Where it remains until the end- as a strong final ending.

This duet with piano uses some expressive, interactive cadenza work between the duet parts in the beginning and during the work. It is vigorous in nature otherwise and ends with a torrent of joy!

Scored for two woodwind instruments with piano, the piece begins with a solo line and then adds the duet line. The ending section does much the same only with more rhythmic enhancement. An easy piece but gives opportunity for much expression.