'Rhapsody', composed for clarinet and electro acoustic tape, was inspired by George Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue'. Both compositions, though they differ structurally and sonically, have as their musical objective the integration of traditional popular elements with contemporary serious music.

'Rhapsody' showcases modern clarinet techniques in its use of multiphonics, virtuostic passages, alternate fingerings and timbral fluctuations. The electroacoustic component provides a rich textural background which interacts periodically with the clarinet, creating an active dialogue between the two elements. Formally, the composition evolves as an accumulative structure, ending climactically with a quasi-improvisatory clarinet solo. 'Rhapsody' was commissioned by Dr. Paul Bendzsa and was realized at the University of Western Ontario Digital Sound Laboratories. (Kristi Allik)

Technical Background

HW / SW: Synclavier TX802, Synthesizers, Amiga 2000,
Synclavier Mimetics Soundscape

Kristi A. Allik (CDN) bas received degree s from the University of Southern California, Princeton University and the University of Toronto. Her teachers include John Weinzweig, James Hopkins, Frederick Leseman, Lothar Klein, Oskar Morawetz and Milton Babbit. She has written an opera, been involved with theatrical productions, and has written a number of integrated media works. Above all, she is interested in increasing generalawareness with her art. Currently, Allik is on Faculty at Queen’s University School of Music where she teaches composition, Computer music and music theory. Affilitions: SOCAN, Canadian League of Composers.