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
Movements:
Impatient Overture
Shakey Rope
Little Sneaky Waltz
Desolate Arena
Hungry Band
Premiere Performance:
Andy Jacobi , clarinet
Greg Ridlington, alto saxophone Chris McFarlane, bassoon
Washington, DC, USA
5 May, 2025
Note: Click here to watch on mobile:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGvp15XoEEY
About Slippery Trapeze
Slippery Trapeze is a 10‑minute, five‑movement wind trio for clarinet, alto saxophone, and bassoon. Each movement offers a vivid backstage glimpse into circus life, blending humor, character, and theatrical timing. Written in 2024, the piece uses the mixed‑reed trio’s unusual color palette to create quick‑changing scenes, playful rhythmic interplay, and expressive contrasts that bring its miniature narratives to life.
For the Performers
Level: Ideal for professional clarinetists, saxophonists, and bassoonists; also suitable for advanced students exploring character pieces, articulation, and ensemble precision.
Programming: Works well in contemporary chamber concerts, mixed‑reed recitals, and programs featuring theatrical or narrative‑driven works.
Style: Five short, contrasting movements with humorous, expressive, and scene‑based writing; optional spoken text may be announced by the players.
Venue Fit: Effective in intimate and medium‑sized halls where color, detail, and theatrical nuance can be clearly appreciated.
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 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.
The five movements are accompanied by text that can be announced beforehand by the players, if desired.
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.