Solo feature for alto clarinet in the reed 5 part. But they can play bass clarinet, bari or instrument of choice. But this can also be an alto sax or soprano sax feature, and you then shift the clarinet backgrounds to reed 5. All solo parts are included, Eb and Bb. We have also done this as a fluegel 4 feature, moving his part to clarinet in reed 5.
5 reeds, 4 trumpets, 3 trombones, 1 bass trombone, accordion (preferable, but optional), guitar, piano, bass, and drums.
The opening track on our recording The Thompson Fields, "Walking By Flashlight" was originally recorded on Winter Morning Walks, featuring the great soprano, Dawn Upshaw, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra, along with Scott Robinson, Jay Anderson and Frank Kimbrough from my band. Creating this "instrumental" version featuring Scott Robinson on alto clarinet was an idea that came much later. Scott sits in the baritone chair, so that's the part with the solo. You can also feature your alto player on alto sax or soprano, and pass the reed 1 (clarinet) part to your reed 5 player. I've heard this solo played on baritone, on soprano, on alto, on alto clarinet, and even flügel (in which case the baritone covers the flügel part on clarinet). Feel free to be creative.
The piece is lyrical, simple, and lovely for an expressive and tender soloist. We've included an MP3 from the original vocal recording, as it is important that the soloist hears that phrasing, and learns the words that inspired the music – the poetry of the great Midwest Pulitzer Prize-winning, U.S. poet laureate, Ted Kooser.
REED DETAILS:
See full selection of Scores & Parts, categorized by difficulty, doubles, and solos.