NAMASTE CLARINET QUARTET
[M.P.S. LONDON, DDD, CD 005]

Tracks 1-3, Quartet, N.1 op.34, (1995), "Toccata, Adagio and Fugue"
for three clarinets in B flat and bass clarinet.
1. Toccata (5.19)
2. Adagio (6.20)
3. Fuga (6.31)
Claudio Miotto, Luca Saracca, Guido Arbonelli, Ivan Gambini

 

"This disc is a sort of recognition of the fascination and potentiality of an organic entity which, in its multicoloured complexity (from the high-pitched tension of the piccolo clarinet in E flat, right down to the deep eloquence of the bass clarinet), is definitely rather unusual.

The variety (and the novelty) of the harmonic solutions, and of the mix of timbres, is assured by both the high degree of skill of the interpreters, and by the wealth of ideas of the composers. And, they offer a panorama of musics, sufficiently exhaustive for an ensemble of this type: from the first piece (Sergio Calligaris' Quartet), which is a sort of guide to the rigours of couterpoint and the quasi-Brahmsian colours, to the other works, in which great musicality springs forth from seemingly impenetrable scores."

Virgilio Celletti

"When I composed this Quartet, I wanted it to sound like a full orchestra, for its compact sound. At the same time, I wanted that the four clarinettists sounded like four soloists. That is the reason why I chose for my composition a severe counterpoint writing, like in the wide virtuoso Toccata, in the style of a perpetual motion four part invention, while the final part of the Quartet is a complex four voiced fugue in the legato and expressive style. The captivating poetic timbre of the clarinet I reserved to be used in the melancholic central Adagio. The instrumental writing is extremely rigorous all the way through, so that the quartet of clarinettists which should play my work, could really demonstrate their complete value as performers in the classical way".

Sergio Calligaris

The Namaste Clarinet Quartet began in 1991 to fill the need of proposing and popularising unusual and rarely heard programmes. Indeed, the most important part of the ensemble's work aims at the realisation, in collaboration with emerging contemporary composers, of projects designed to expand further than the small circle of "cultural concerts". This quartet chose its name after an Indian greeting which means "I honour in you the place where paradise lies, if you are in me and I am in you, we will be united", indicating thus the sense of unity - not only understanding and harmony - that should characterise any chamber orchestra. It is a message of humility, of love, and of joy. It is enthusiasm for giving special sensations, inherent in our minds, through music. It is the wish that the listener be with us and in us, and that the humility, the love, and the joy be intended not only for music, but for all the moments of our lives. The ensemble's programmes range from classical to contemporary music, with openings in jazz and popular music, using most of the instruments of the clarinet family and extending the group with singing, piano, harp, percussion and accordion.

Many composers have written for this quartet, which can boast first performances, taking part in national and international festivals. It has been successful in many competitions, with first prizes at the following : "Riviera del Conero International Prize", Portonovo, 1993; "Citta di Barletta National Prize", Contemporary Music Section, 1993; "Young Concert Musicians' Selection Prize", Macerata Feltria,1991; also a second prize at the "A.Ponchielli" contest in Cremona in 1992, and a third prize at the "European Contest" in Moncalieri in 1991.

The members of Namaste have also distinguished themselves in various national and international contests, in particular Guido Arbonelli, who won first prize at the Gaudeamus contest in Rotterdam, March 1995. The group is responsible for the Clarinet Quartet section at the Information Museum in Senigallia, involved with repertoire research. This museum is about to become a world-wide interest pole for musicians, composers, and lovers of music.

Further information related to the CD is available in its M.P.S. Record Company web page.