Grand Rag

Grand Rag is part of a project in which 67 composers each composed a piece for solo musicians of ANAM (Australian National Academy of Music) in 2021. Elena Kats-Chernin wrote her piece in close collaboration with clarinettist Oliver Crofts for his creative and virtuoso skills.

As in many of her ragtimes, the composer is interested in powerful expression and working with a limited tonal material. The clarinet part alternates between low and high registers in various sections. The piano is an equal partner, with clusters and clashing rhythms, pedal points as well as an unusual trill fantasy.