Download set (Score & Parts)
Commissioned in 2023 by the Osaka-based clarinet quartet "Ensemble Ivrogne" the piece premiered under the title Crimson Scamper at the Osaka Ensemble Contest that December. It was later retitled Crimson Speedster for publication.
The piece evokes a vibrant and energetic atmosphere of a bright red sports car racing past. It follows a typical fast-slow-fast form. The fast sections (Vivo) are characterized by rhythmic sixteenth notes and a flowing, slightly seductive melody. Bass clarinet forms the rhythmic foundation, with the 3rd clarinet part written at a slightly lesser difficulty level as a reference.
In the middle section (Andante), marked "dolce," longer, soft phrases contrast the preceding section. In the latter part of the recapitulation, this mid-section melody reappears in the Vivo rhythm, leading to a dashing climax.
By coordinating the ensemble, differentiating between rhythm-building sections, and emphasizing the tutti rhythmic hits, the piece can deliver a cool and dynamic performance.
(Soo-Hyun Park)
