Extinction Events - Clarinet Quartet - Mvt 2 - Cuckoos by John Gibson Clarinet Quartet - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.581935

Extinction Events (2nd movement - It Isn't Easy Being a Cuckoo by John Gibson was written as a submission to the International Clarinet Association's 2018 Composition Competition. Written for 3 Bb clarinets and 1 bass clarinet, it is a four movement work for very advanced players, although the 2nd movement is easier. This is the second movement only...the others may be purchased separately: Buzzy Delights, Walrus Jump, and Yaguarete Surprise (Argentine Jaguar). The entire set of 4 movements may also be purchased. Simply type "extinction events Gibson" in the search bar at the top.

Each movement imagines a different animal or insect living in its habitat as it gradually deteriorates. One might think this would be sad, violent music, but each earthly creature is shown in its musical habitat where it happily does what it does best....bees buzzing around flowers, cuckoos gently calling in the forest, Walruses jumping not so gracefully onto sea ice, Jaguars quietly stalking their prey. The habitat changes are depicted by gradual use of unstable scales, and the sometimes hidden ancient tune of the Dies Irae, the Day of Wrath.

The point I wish to make is how humans must be watchful of wildlife habitats because we are all in this limited world together. Where wild creatures go, so do we. It was best said by Jane Goodall: "Only if we understand can we care. Only if we care will we help. Only if we help shall they be saved."

Cuckoos are quiet reminders of spring when they first appear at the Marsden, United Kingdom area where they have a Cuckoo fair every year. Their habitat is shrinking at an alarming rate as their numbers slowly decrease. In the music, the cuckoos in the 3rd clarinet part get progressively sad sounding and simply disappear. Special fingerings are provided for the 3rd clarinet player.

You may watch a video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MOCTanOBIyk