Greetings fellow composers! In the last few weeks I’ve been pondering about writing a blog post that would thrill all readers with a smorgasbord of insights, entertain with refined literary prowess, and revolutionize intellectual thought through a synthesis of musical topics with ideas from the world around us. Perhaps I shall prepare such a feat for my next post. However, for my introductory comments to this blog, I felt that you and I should get to know one another a little better through the sharing of musical interests. Thus, allow me to introduce you to a composer I’ve been listening to quite a bit the past few months.
Eric Mandat is an acclaimed clarinetist/composer. Now, lest ye are tempted to run for cover under threat of 30 minutes of a tertian, classical concerto of mind-numbing boredom, please note that Mandat’s music is very different than any Weber or Mozart you might hear coming from any run-of-the-mill clarinet recital. Mandat is an avant garde composer who uses contemporary techniques and tone colors to shape stories, images, and experiences that successfully transport the listener to another plane for the entirety of the piece. Especially when watching his live performances, as I was privileged to do at a clarinet festival in Spring 2010, the listener is easily mezmerized by his stunning sound displays.
One of Mandat’s most thrilling pieces is a new, three movement work entitled “Double Life.” Mandat dedicated this piece for fellow clari-comp (clarinetist/composer) William O. Smith. The three movements personify different elements from William O. Smith’s rather unusual personality.
Clips from Eric Mandat’s “Double Life” as performed by Robert Spring on Youtube.
For more music by Eric Mandat, check out his two CDs, Black Swirls and The Extended Clarinet
