clarinet quintet
10’30”

composed 2003
composed for and premiered by clarinetist Jorge Montilla (Bloomington, Indiana)

Composer’s Note

Fun fact: Within the flame of a candle, fire burns blue at approximately 1600° C.

Blue Fire is inspired by two different sources - the blue note harmonies of traditional jazz, and the volatile, ultimately self-destructive nature of fire. These two sources propel the work through a series of continuous variations, each based upon a fragment of a theme presented at the beginning of the work. However, unlike traditional variation form, a second theme overtakes the first theme through the course of the work, and eventually assists in "burning-up" the work, so to speak. This catalytic theme is briefly presented within the first dance-like variation, but is the only element to survive in the end, rising up through a slowly descending texture reminiscent of falling ash.

Commissioned by clarinetist Jorge Montilla.