Ian Deterling

Duet in G Minor, Op. 17

Duet in G Minor, Op. 17 (2022)

  • flexible instrumentation

  • ca. 3:30

Score/Parts PDF Preview

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Program Notes

  • Commissioned by Jonathan Warburton, bass trombone

  • Jonathan Warburton first approached me with the idea of commissioning a new chamber work for bass trombone in autumn of 2021. Leaving the instrumentation up to me, I decided to originally pair the bass trombone with cello because of how well their contrasting timbres compliment each other.

  • Shortly after first talking with Mr. Warburton, I traveled to Germany for about two months. While staying in Kassel, I spent an afternoon at Grimmwelt Kassel, a museum dedicated to the  fairytales and dictionary work of the Brothers Grimm. I grew up on Grimms’ Fairytales, so I was fascinated and in awe of being able to look upon their handwritten letters, notes, belongings - even a silver box that was displaying Jacob Grimm’s teeth! 

  • After returning from Germany, I began developing ideas for this piece, using my experience at Grimmwelt Kassel as a basis for inspiration. Half-step motions on beats 2-3 and 5-6 (BTbn measures 5 and 6) give the music an unsettling waltz-like lurch as it quickly meanders unexpectedly from one key center to another. Writing music is like creating an abstract story; the various melodies and motifs are individual chargers while the accompaniments are different settings where these characters develop and interact with one another. 

  • Originally for Cello (Part 1) and Bass Trombone (Part 2), I’ve adapted this duet for a variety of instrument combinations:

    • Part 1

      • Flute

      • Clarinet in Bb

      • Alto Clarinet in Eb

      • Bass Clarinet in Bb (Low Eb and Low C versions are both included)

      • Contra Alto Clarinet

      • Bassoon

      • Alto Saxophone

      • Tenor Saxophone

      • Baritone Saxophone

      • Horn in F

      • Trombone

      • Bass Trombone

      • Tuba

      • Viola

      • Violoncello

    • Part 2

      • Bass Clarinet in Bb (Low Eb and Low C versions are both included)

      • Contrabass Clarinet

      • Bassoon

      • Contrabassoon

      • Baritone Saxophone

      • Bass Trombone

      • Tuba

      • Violoncello

      • Contrabass

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  • You will receive the master score and a complete set of parts as individual PDF files.

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Download page for Duet in G Minor, Op. 17

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