The composition Circling, three evolving landscapes, for clarinet quartet, was
written in 2017. Its three movements are based on variations of the 6/8 meter,
which, according to the composer, “explore and develop the enchantingly
subtle facets of mood, expression and constructive possibilities which this
deceptively simple rhythmic frame has to offer.” In addition to different meter
usage, the three-movement structure of the work features distinctive rhythmic
events that range from a jaunty, floating rhythm in the first movement,
through a rotating rhythmic motion in the second, to a carefree interplay of
various rhythms in the final movement. The first movement, Summer in the
World, inspired by the haiku poetry of the Japanese poet Bashō (1644-1694),
brings a joyous play of light, wind and waves, followed by a passing storm,
the night’s magic with the chirping of crickets, and finally the sunrise in a
summer setting. Complex rhythmic patterns are interwoven with folkloristic
elements (of the Balkans), which are closer to African rhythms, as illustrated
by the consistent use of instruments in shaping the multi-layered texture of
the musical content. The composer suggests using a Tibetan singing bowl in
the second movement, Prayer Wheel, which evokes a never-ending sequence,
a “wheel” of wishes, hopes, disappointments, and joys, with the interlocking
of simple rhythmic figures and a strict harmonic scheme. The final movement,
Coiling Clouds, is based on rhythmically rich, occasionally incredibly exciting
and turbulent events.
Ivan Božičević received the first prize at the ICA (International Clarinet
Association) Composition Competition in Ostend, Belgium, in 2018, for his
composition Circling. The Ebano Quartet from Belgium premiered it there on
July 11, 2018, as part of the Clarinet Fest. In addition to the version for clarinet
quartet, the work is also frequently performed in an arrangement for guitar
quartet.
Bojana Plećaš Kalebota
HDS, Cantus, 2024.
Broj izdanja: Can. 366-3398
ISMN 979-0-801363-39-8
