Reviews & Articles
International Clarinet Association
Book and Music Review
Nicole Buetti's Clarinet Masquerade Waltz
Buetti’s pieces are imaginative and engaging, with catchy themes and a variety of moods and evocative imagery. Her compositions run from deeply-felt, complex concert music to lighthearted and fun pieces. Somewhere in the middle of these poles are many of her wind compositions, such as the lovely Clarinet Masquerade Waltz.
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The Clarinet Masquerade Waltz is a charismatic piece for a full clarinet choir, ranging from EÌ sopranino to contrabass. The idea for the piece was conceptualized by Barbara Heilmair and Nicole Buetti after they had a performance together of Buetti’s Midnight Waltz at Portland’s annual Vampire Ball. The idea of a haunting piece for clarinet choir sparked the commission of this work for the Zephyr Clarinet Choir who premiered the piece at the ClarinetFest® 2022 in Reno, Nevada.
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With a spooky waltz theme, the composition features the unique sound of clarinets playing together. The composition has a feel of an elegant and festive dance turning wild. The latter is achieved by asymmetric rhythm patterns, drastic dynamic changes, and strong accents. Listeners can imagine a group of tipsy dancers being swept away by the intense music, trying to keep their balance. Or, one can simply enjoy the gorgeous sounds of low and high clarinets combined.
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Like many of Nicole’s other works, the Clarinet Masquerade Waltz can also serve as an interesting tool for learners. It sparks excitement to listen and play… and maybe even to learn to play the clarinet! The piece is suitable for medium to advanced clarinet choirs. It will add a lighter note to concerts of advanced clarinet choirs, while it is accessible enough to provide an entry point for ensembles who are seeking to advance their musical skills via this piece. Players and listeners alike will find the Clarinet Masquerade Waltz to be a very valuable addition to the clarinet choir repertoire.
– Barbara Heilmair D.M.A.
Professor of Clarinet & Music History
Woodwind Area Coordinator
Associate Dean, College of the Arts