Performance Directions

The music has been written to accommodate a minimum number of performers. For this reason there are three players who are called upon to play more than one instrument. In situations where more players are available, there is the option of expanding the size of the ensemble as desired.

 Piccolo and suspended cymbal

Medium yarn mallets required for cymbal.

 Flute and triangle

Standard metal triangle beater required for triangle. In the flute part the preferred phrasing is indicated by unbroken-line slurs, with optional alternative phrasing indicated by broken-line slurs in bars: 45 – 50, 56 – 58, 77 – 79 and 102 – 103.

 Alto and baritone saxophone

The preferred phrasing is indicated by unbroken-line slurs, with optional alternative phrasing indicated by broken-line slurs in bars: 64 – 65, 72 – 73 and 97 – 98.

 Piano

There are sections of the music when left hand (L.H.) notes are indicated by down stems and right hand (R.H.) notes by up stems. There are two points where there is the option of leaving out the upper stave notes if it is too difficult for the performer: bars 40 and 121

 Violin

Tune the G string down to F. From bars 69 – 76 the performer has the option of improvising. A suggested part has been written for performers who would prefer not to improvise.

 Double Bass

No bow required.

Precise Instrumentation

Player 1: piccolo and suspended cymbal – medium yarn mallets

Player 2: flute and triangle – standard metal triangle beater

Player 3: alto and baritone saxophone

Player 4: piano

Player 5: violin

Player 6: double bass

 Program Note

What I initially imagined when writing 'Clown Puppet' was the concept of a clown, attached to strings like a puppet and being made to dance. It begins with a slow awakening as the clown gradually comes to life. It is uncertain whether the clown is happy or sad to be dancing against its will, as the clown’s face remains emotionless throughout. The piece was written for Kate Barnard one of the members of circus duo: Teacup Tumble.

 Performance Information

First performed by Lunar Luncheon (Delia Poon, Joanne Currie, Ceri Hale, Eleanor Cameron, Anusuya Willis and Ben Wheeler) at a private c.d. launch in Mooney Ponds, Victoria on the 07/02/2004. First public performance at 'The Halls Gap Jazz Festival', performed by Lunar Luncheon: 13/02/2004. First circus performance by Teacup Tumble (Kate Barnard and Ailsa Wild), on the 10/02/2006, at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.