I Will Dance, and Dance with You was written in loving memory of my brother, Manuel, who passed away in the summer of 2022. As a clarinetist, his instrument’s sound was a constant presence in our lives from childhood. When I began this commission, I knew I wanted to honor his legacy through the instrument I will always associate with him. Rather than a purely elegiac or mournful work, I chose to write a series of dances—celebrating Manuel’s life through music that would have pleased and moved him.

I. Chorinho

The opening movement is inspired by Brazilian choro music, a style defined by lively rhythms and syncopation. The title, which translates to "little cry," perfectly captures the paradoxical state between dance and lament that is central to this entire work. The movement introduces a spirited melody in the clarinet followed by a more lyrical response in the violin, alternating between these two moods until reaching a mysterious conclusion.

II. "You’ll Spread Your Wings"

Taking its title from a lyric in George Gershwin’s "Summertime," this intermezzo-like movement evokes a hazy, jazz-inflected atmosphere. The piano introduces a soulful melody that is passed throughout the ensemble; what begins in a somber, atmospheric mood gradually transforms into something charming and sunny.

III. Vals de Caraquita

Waltzes (valses) are a cornerstone of Venezuelan folk music. I was specifically inspired by the Cuarteto Caraquita, a renowned Venezuelan clarinet quartet that recorded staples of the genre from the turn of the 20th century. My version is structured as a Minuet and Trio: the first section presents a traditional waltz, while the Trio becomes raucous, wild, and unpredictable.

IV. “A Canela y Clavo” (Passacaglia)

After traveling to Spain in early 2025 and experiencing the visceral power of live flamenco, I chose to close the work with a movement inspired by a seguiriya—a slow, solemn, and often tragic palo (style). The title, "Cinnamon and Cloves," refers to a traditional flamenco lyric. The movement begins with a stately, intense tempo where the cello intones a melody meant to mimic the raw delivery of a cantaor (singer). The music steadily gains momentum, transitioning into a soleá and building to an ending of overwhelming intensity.

Altogether, I Will Dance, and Dance with You is a celebration of a life through movement, an exploration of the meeting place between laughter and tears, and a loving tribute to one of the most important people in my life.