New Music for Clarinet ... Another Look

• “F. Gerard Errante distinguishes himself admirably and spearheads an anthology of provocative contemporary modern chamber works on New Music for Clarinet, Another Look. ... Errante has agility and remarkable tone control. He can dive artistically into extended techniques and revert to more conventional articulations with ease and grace. Indeed his formidable and imaginative approach seem tailor-made for the works on the program. They are lively, exciting and varied in the most capable hands of Errante. ... It is a re-release that fully rewards us with a program of all-too-neglected music in remarkable performances. Errante soars and the music does not fail to enchant!” Gapplegate Classical-Modern Music Review
• “The style of clarinet playing in which F. Gerard Errante was/is an absolute master depends heavily on the player�s ability to perform a vast array of extended techniques such as multiphonics, pitch bending, quarter tones, and a command of the extreme altissimo register. Errante was one of the first and one of the best who could do such things having heard F. Gerard Errante before, I remain in awe of his unique abilities.” Audiophile Audition
• “The project's mastermind, F. Gerard Errante, brings his own expert technique and understanding to these works. ... Errante ... makes masterful use of the delay's potential. ... it is extraordinary to hear Errante present listeners with such an energetic rendering of his ideas. ... This album is outstanding in variety and execution. Very highly recommended.” The Clarinet
• “A must for serious performers of the clarinet looking for modern repertoire. Errante has certainly made a fine case for these works over the span of his career and this release is sort of an homage to his accomplishments.” Cinemusical
• “This release is definitely a very intriguing collection for lovers of contemporary clarinet ... it gives Errante free rein for his virtuoso and expressive talents.” Kathodik

With the 1976 publication of Bruno Bartolozzi's groundbreaking book New Sounds for Woodwind, and the exciting pioneering work of the adventurous clarinetists William O. Smith, Hans Rudolf Stalder, and Alan Hacker among others, the 60s and 70s were an exciting time for developments in the clarinet world. I was fortunate to have been caught up in that era of experimentation, and have recorded a number of works on LPs in the 70s and 80s. This CD is a re-release of some of those compositions that I believe have stood the test of time, and are worthy of another look by clarinetists and those interested in innovative works of the late 20th century.

Retrospective projects can be an unconnected collection of works with little cohesive substance – not the case with NEW MUSIC FOR CLARINET ANOTHER LOOK. Errante has carefully culled his recorded catalog and compiled a widely diverse collection of clarinet compositions that document the maturation, beauty, and humor found along the time line of the development of this fantastically new body of literature for the clarinet. William O. Smith's presence on the project is axiomatic as the "Godfather of New Music for the Clarinet". Errante has assembled some of the hallmarks and pinnacles of this time of exploration for the instrument, but has left the distinct possibility for a second (and possibly a third) compendium of both historical and musical significance.

This compilation is a long overdue offering from an artist who has expanded and redefined the recent body of literature for the clarinet, and who has nurtured contemporary music for other instruments as well. These selections, spanning several decades, are navigational markers for the constellations of contemporary clarinet creations inspired by or created by F. Gerard Errante.

William O. Smith	Solo for Clarinet with Delay System
Vladimir Ussachevsky	4 Studies for Clarinet & EVI
William O. Smith	Asana
Adolphus Hailstork	A Simple Caprice
Dana Wilson	Piece for Clarinet "Alone"
F. Gerard Errante	Souvenirs de Nice
Sydney Hodkinson	The Dissolution of the Serial

The Lyric Clarinet

• “(Errante's) playing here is superb ... There are twenty-one short little gems in this recital and this represents some beautiful and relaxing listening for anyone, I should imagine. For serious clarinetists, here is another look - perhaps that 'rediscovery' - at one of the country's great players and whose artistry we should all emulate.” Audiophile Audition
• “This album is dedicated to transcriptions of vocal music with the goal to treat the clarinet as a true singing instrument. The transcriptions themselves were done by F. Gerard Errante himself and he really has managed to free himself from clarinet dogma and make the instrument as flexible as a human voice. Even though some of the recordings are from live concerts, there is no noticeable difference between those and the studio recordings. Schubert's Nacht und Traume is a beautiful example of his blend of unique lyricism and stunningly controlled and beautiful clarinet playing. I think his goal of making our instrument sound like a human voice teaches an important lesson about lyricism and musicianship from which we can all benefit.” The Clarinet

(arr. F.G. Errante for clarinet and piano)

Carlos Guastavino	La rosa y el sauce
John Duke	I Carry Your Heart
Carlos Guastavino	12 Canciones populares: El Sampedrino
Carlos Guastavino	Milonga de dos hermanos
Claude Debussy	Beau soir
Claude Debussy	Mandoline
Francis Poulenc	Bleuet, FP 102
Francis Poulenc	Les chemins de l'amour, FP 106
Claude Debussy	Suite bergamasque: No. 3. Clair de lune
Francis Poulenc	Banalites, FP 107: No. 2. Hotel
Francis Poulenc	Banalites, FP 107: No. 4. Voyage a Paris
D. Gause	Lunar Lace
Robert Schumann	Myrthen, Op. 25: No. 1. Widmung
Johannes Brahms	5 Lieder, Op. 105: No. 1. Wie Melodien zieht es mir
Johannes Brahms	5 Romanzen und Lieder, Op. 84: No. 4. Vergebliches Standchen
Franz Schubert	Nacht und Traume, D. 827
Robert Schumann	Frauenliebe und -leben, Op. 42: No. 2. Er, der Herrlichste von allen
Johannes Brahms	5 Lieder, Op. 47: No. 1. Botschaft
Samuel Barber	4 Songs, Op. 13: No. 3. Sure on this shining night
Lori Laitman	The Apple Orchard
Alberto Ginastera, Stephen Sondheim	5 canciones populares argentinas, Op. 10: No. 2. Triste - A Little Night Music: Send in the Clowns

Delicate Balance

To order copies of this CD, please go to Aucourant Records

• “F. Gerard Errante has been at the forefront of new music exploration with electronics and mixed media for some 40 years, bringing new music to diverse audiences worldwide and inspiring scores of composers to create works for clarinet and various media... These works are all about pacing, and Gerry Errante understands pacing in the world of live electronics like few other performers. If the digital sound worlds in this CD seem to take on more analog/human qualities than you thought possible, it is because of Gerry Errante’s soulful expressiveness and consummate sensitivity, and his ability to boldly traverse that tightrope between the two worlds, thus bringing them together in a way few artists can; a delicate balance indeed.” The Clarinet
• “Errante’s clarinet completes the mood music, with a perfect tone and control for the long legato phrases and is eloquent and communicative. ... The CD meets its objective in balancing ambience and interest, with both an immediate accessibility and the detail within the texture to satisfy repeated listening.” Clarinet & Saxophone
• “Errante floats through the melodic material, showing off the clarity and beauty of his timbre... Errante effortlessly delivers a number of graceful flutter tongue passages as well, including a gentleness that at times becomes otherworldly... Errante’s performance is assured, engaging, and, as ever, lyrically apt... Errante’s performance here confidently demonstrates his lucidity with extended techniques and a vibrant darkness of the chalumeau register that few clarinetists can match... Errante’s tone, largely clear and brilliant throughout, seems perfectly fitting to ideals of reflection and primal rhythms... this album proves that slow, mixed-media music in the hands of a tremendous performer and exponent of new music, as well as ten stylistically varied composers, can... be compelling... this album represents yet another delicate balance between cautious innovation and effective convention... With recordings dating back to 1991, Errante is easily the leading American clarinetist specializing in electro-acoustic performance practice.” SEAMUS (Society for Electro-Acoustic Music in the United States) Newsletter
• “The pieces pair Errante’s solo playing with electronic backings that are full and often symphonic in character, and as the woodsy character of the clarinet is preserved, a clear contrast emerges between its acoustic sound and the oft-shimmering backdrops.
  The compositions are & eminently accessible in spirit. Much of Delicate Balance exudes a serene and mystical quality... Errante’s release is worth the attention of both clarinet and non-clarinet enthusiasts.” textura (www.textura.org)
• “Through all of these pieces, F. Gerard Errante maintains excellent control in blending the clarinet timbre with whatever electronics are present. It can be difficult to make calm music compelling but each piece, and Errante's playing, keep me listening.” Sequenza 21

“This CD is comprised of compositions for clarinet and electronics created by composer friends with whom I’ve collaborated over the years. These works are intended to be calm, peaceful and tranquil, perhaps being suitable for relaxation and contemplation. At the same time, these are compositions of substance that will be satisfying for active listening as well - hence the title of the CD. The wide diversity of styles and compositional techniques represented will appeal to a broad spectrum of listeners. It is my hope that this disc will provide many hours of enjoyment, and that repeated listening will reveal varied levels of musical discovery.” F.G.E.

Alex Shapiro	Water Crossing	2002
Peter Terry	Echoes of the Invisible	2003
Robert Scott Thompson	Passage	2009
Jane Brockman	Circles in the Sky	2002
Joseph Harchanko	Breath	2005
Rob Mackay	Equanimity	2009
McGregor Boyle	Midway Inlet	2006
Judith Shatin	Cherry Blossoms and a Wrapped Thing: After Hokusai	2006
Douglas Quin/F. Gerard Errante	A Little Night Music	2009
D. Gause	rain of the heart, reign of the soul	2009

Beyond Noend with Errante

• “This CD from F. Gerard Errante is the most mellifluous and beguiling selection from the avant-garde that you are likely to encounter... Played with an attractively warm and rich sound and an exemplary technique Gerard Errante takes us by the hand into the 21st century, so that the challenge of new music is not the throwing down of a clanking iron gauntlet, but the sophistication of a suede glove.” Clarinet and Saxophone

• “Clarinetist F. Gerard Errante offers more than just his warm sensual tone on Beyond Noend. The mix of musical styles ... displays the possibilities of the instrument in Errante’s unique personal manner. ... The electronic sections are terrific, and Errante’s performance is superb” The American Record Guide

• “This CD is everything one has come to expect from Gerard Errante and much more! ... a real feast of exciting, exotic and often daring sounds and contemporary techniques produced both on clarinet and by electronic means, all performed to perfection” Australian Clarinet and Saxophone

• “F. Gerard Errante is an accomplished clarinetist who has performed extensively in the United States and internationally, focusing on contemporary composition. Here, he is featured in a highly attractive set of what appears at first blush to embody "classical crossover," but which is actually an exciting blend of black stick, synthesizers, and electronics in settings ranging from pastoral to vigorously adventurous. Errante boasts a full, sweet tone, and he negotiates some prickly passages that test his abilities. Pieces include a daring and emotional memorial to humanitarian Phil Egart, entitled "Silent Tears"; the second movement of a gorgeous sonata by Jack Delano originally written for viola; and a fascinating movement from Mark Carlson's "The Hall of Mirrors," incorporating a kind of fusion of pop and classical elements. The electronic elements are tastefully added, so that the overall effect has a serious, though engagingly modern ring.” iTunes Preview

F. Gerard Errante & John Toomey	Silent Tears
Jack Delano	Cantable
Jane Brockman	Tagore Songs
Jody Nagel	Kaleidoscope
Mark Carlson	Twilight
Peter Terry	Captured Light
John Toomey	Interlude
Joshua Chan	Innerutterance
Robert Scott Thompson	The Widening Gyre
Carl Della Peruti	Lyric Prelude

Shadows of Ancient Dreams

• “Clarinetist, composer, world traveler, teacher, and past I.C.A. President Gerry Errante is world renowned for his innovative and stellar performances. In Shadows of Ancient Dreams he puts all his many talents to use and introduces listeners to outstanding new music.” The Clarinet

• “It’s safe to say that you’ve never heard clarinet the way clarinetist F. Gerard Errante performs in Shadows of Ancient Dreams ... a wonderful exercise ... Errante’s electric clarinet magic.” 20th Century Music

F. Gerard Errante	Shadows of Ancient Dreams
Charles L. Bestor	Conversations with Myself
Robert Scott Thompson	Canto (de las Sombras)
Todd Winkler	Snake Charmer
Douglas Quin	Yasashii Kaze
Michael Lowenstern	Milk Teeth

Electric Clarinet

• “If there is any hope for contemporary music, it is because of albums like this. ... this is all music that manages to retain an artistic integrity while at once being truly entertaining. That is no small feat. ... F. Gerard Errante explores this engaging impressionism with gorgeous legato playing and a subtle sense for the mythic duality.” Fanfare

• “There is whimsy, pomposity, drama, intergalactic space music and plenty of attractive lyrical solo work here, making this one of the most enjoyable avant-garde wind discs to come my way in a long time.” Windplayer

• “Errante plays with wonderful grace and style.” The Clarinet

Jane Brockman	Ningana
Burton Beerman	Masks
Vladimir Ussachevsky	4 Studies
Burton Beerman	Moondance
Thea Musgrave	Narcissus (version for Clarinet and Electronics)
F. Gerard Errante	Elegy for Gilda
Burton Beerman	Wind Whispers, Sounds and Shouts

Time to Burn

Judith Shatin

Grito del Corazon

Grito del Corazon; Composer: Judith Shatin

Imaginary Friends

• “Errante gives a steady and powerful performance, with a heat and anxiety just beneath the idyllic surface of much of the work.” SEAMUS Newsletter

Chant/songe for clarinet and computer ; Composer: Andrew May

CDCM Computer Music Series Vol. 39

Music from SEAMUS

Ottuplo!

Third Practice

CDCM Computer Music Series Vol. 29

• “The performances are good, especially clarinetist F. Gerard Errante who continues to excel in music of this vein” The American Record Guide

Oropendola

Douglas Quin

Yasashi Kaze

Music Visions

Reynold Weidenaar

Night Flame Ritual

Contemporary Clarinet

Jon Appleton	The Endless Melody
F. Gerard Errante	Another Look at October
William O. Smith	Asana
Adolphus Hailstork	A Simple Caprice
Roger Greive	Clarinet Chromatron

Unaccompanied Solos for Clarinet Vol. IV

William O. Smith F. Gerard Errante

Solo for Clarinet with Delay System Souvenirs de Nice

Chamber Music for Clarinets Vol. 3

Dana Wilson

Piece for Clarinet �Alone�

Spring in the Harbor

Sydney Hodkinson

The Dissolution of the Serial