Three Vocalises

This set of three brief vocalises for soprano and clarinet comprises a Prelude, Scherzo, and Quasi menuetto. The Prelude is otherworldly, with flowing phrases and chromatic melodic lines. The Scherzo contrasts in its playfulness, while the Quasi menuetto makes an attractive ending to the set. They were composed during the final year of the composer’s life in 1958, not long after the composition of the Ten Blake Songs for voice and oboe.