This is about 30 seconds from Two of Cups for clarinet and viola. The Two of Cups refers to the tarot card of the same name and represents partnerships and unions. Much like the Lovers card, energies come together to create a mutual bond. Beauty, power, and electric vibrations occur, bringing romance and sexual energy to the scene. Platonic relationships also benefit from the Two of Cups. This is the card that signifies reconciliation. Struggles come to an end, and harmony is restored to even the most hostile of relationships. Inner conflicts also come into play when this card appears. An inner peace is created. Expect to feel strongly connected to others, but also to other entities that bring two together like ideas or talents.
The form of the piece is an alternation between an A and B section. The A sections are in unison and the B sections are contrapuntal. The melodic lines in both sections are asymmetrical but in the B sections the melodic lines simultaneously explore differing meters to create the illusion that the two instruments are independent. Then the lines come together in the unison A sections. The excerpt is a complete B section.
I composed this piece in honor of my marriage to Pamela Gurman.
