NIGHTPIECE (1996) for clarinet and piano by David Alpher suggests the duality of the dark hours: One aspect of night is lyrical, romantic, yearning and warm. The other aspect is furtive, urban, on-the-edge and cool. The composer states, "No other instrument can sound both warm and cool as convincingly as the clarinet." This is an exquisite recital piece. (6 30) Grade V.
