Oblique Strategies *Published by Trevco Varner Music
Program Notes
Oblique Strategies was written for the PENtrio and is based upon the aphorism cards of the same name created by Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt. Each variation was created by pulling a different card from the deck and then following the written instruction on the card. Some variations are clear representation of the instructions while others are more abstract.
In addition to the variation nature of the work the clarinet also serves as the main protagonist of the work. My former composition teacher Charles Argersinger, a clarinetist himself, passed away after a long battle with Parkinsons around the time I began work on this piece. In a way this piece serves a second purpose as an homage to the Charles.