CONTEMPORARY WIND TRIO WITH SAXOPHONE
Modern Music for Mixed Reed Trio
The combination of clarinet, alto saxophone, and bassoon is rare in the chamber‑music repertoire, yet it offers a striking blend of colors: the agility of the clarinet, the warmth and flexibility of the saxophone, and the depth of the bassoon.
This page presents Lior Navok’s contemporary wind trio for this unique instrumentation, alongside a curated list of modern works for mixed reed ensembles.
SLIPPERY TRAPEZE
for wind trio
Duration:
10' minutes
Instrumentation:
clarinet, alto saxophone, bassoon
Year Composed:
2024
THEMES:
Program Notes
Slippery Trapeze is a witty composition for a wind trio consisting of clarinet, alto saxophone, and bassoon. It portrays situations that one usually finds in the circus, primarily from a backstage perspective.
The piece features five movements, starting with an Impatient Overture. This is followed by Shakey Rope, a tale of an acrobat who spots his mother-in-law from above. Next is Little Sneaky Waltz, which appears unexpectedly. Desolate Arena presents a lonely clown finding solace in the shadows of an empty tent, and the performance concludes with Hungry Band, a lively piece about a band racing to finish their set before they can eat.
Movements
1. Impatient Overture
2. Shakey Rope
3. Little Sneaky Waltz
4. Desolate Arena
5. Hungry Band
The five movements are accompanied by text that can be announced beforehand by the players, if desired.
Abstract
Slippery Trapeze is a playful, character‑driven wind trio that peeks behind the curtain of a circus world. Written for clarinet, alto saxophone, and bassoon, the piece unfolds in five miniature scenes, each portraying a backstage vignette with wit and theatrical flair. An Impatient Overture bursts open the curtain, followed by Shakey Rope, where an acrobat’s nerves spike as he spots his mother‑in‑law below. Little Sneaky Waltz tiptoes in unannounced, while Desolate Arena lingers in the quiet melancholy of a clown alone in an empty tent. The work ends with Hungry Band, a spirited finale in which the musicians race through their set, eager to reach their long‑delayed meal.
Compact, colorful, and rhythmically alive, Slippery Trapeze celebrates the expressive possibilities of this unusual mixed‑reed trio.
Video
Score Sample
Score of Slippery Trapeze for clarinet, saxophone and bassoon
About Mixed Reed Chamber Music
Mixed‑reed ensembles offer composers a rich palette of colors and articulations. The combination of clarinet, saxophone, and bassoon creates a flexible trio capable of lyricism, rhythmic drive, and humorous interplay. Contemporary composers continue to explore these possibilities, contributing to a growing repertoire for this distinctive ensemble.
Contemporary Repertoire for Mixed Reed Trio
This curated list highlights chamber works that feature saxophone in combination with other woodwinds — clarinet, bassoon, oboe, or mixed reeds.
Paul Harvey – Trio for Flute, Clarinet and Alto Saxophone
A multi-movement work featuring intricate harmonies and woodwind interplay; specifically requires alto flute in movements five and six
Gregory Wanamaker – Duo Sonata
A cornerstone 2002 work for clarinet and alto saxophone, exploring virtuosic unified timbres through intense, driving movements.
Christian Lauba – Works for Saxophone and Winds
Contemporary, virtuosic compositions known for exploring extended techniques and complex textural interactions in chamber settings.
Lior Navok – Slippery Trapeze
A 2024 witty wind trio for clarinet, alto saxophone, and bassoon that captures five lively circus-themed scenes.