Suite Jealousy was composed in 2022 on commission from the Liberte Clarinet Quartet, a group formed by graduates of Osaka College of Music. The piece premiered in February 2023.
The title Jealousy expresses more than simple envy - it evokes a longing for something irresistibly attractive and inspiring, something seemingly out of reach. It's not a feeling I want to leave as mere admiration; it's the desire to get closer, however slightly. That emotional struggle is at the heart of this work.
1. Staggered Entry - This movement uses a compositional technique in which a thematic idea is introduced successively across the bass, tenor, alto, and soprano voices. It's a cornerstone of harmonic studies, often seen as a kind of "final boss" in the field of voice leading. I personally struggled with it quite a bit, but there's a puzzle-like satisfaction in crafting it. The second half also incorporates the use of a pedal point technique.
2. Serenade - This is a tribute to jazz classics like Moonlight Serenade. However, it doesn't remain gentle throughout; whimsical, scherzo-like episodes are woven in, and the piece ends like a scattering of leaves carried off by the wind.
3. Tonguing Blues - Built on a blues chord progression, this movement is a showcase for brilliant tonguing - an opportunity for clarinetists to flex their skills (or their tongues, to be exact!). The jazz style woven through the first three movements reflects the influence of Takaki Suzuki, a member of the quartet who is also an accomplished jazz clarinetist.
4. In 24 Keys - Inspired by the exploration of all 24 keys seen in works like Bach's The Well-Tempered Clavier and Chopin's Preludes, this movement attempts to travel through all 24 keys in under five minutes. Interestingly, I discovered after writing this that Beethoven had also made a similar attempt. Where is the piece headed? I hope you'll enjoy the ride as though carried by the wind.

(Itaru Sakai)