?Pastorale [pastoral]. A literary, dramatic or musical genre that depicts the characters and scenes of rural life or is expressive of its atmosphere.?

(New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians)

This piece aims to critique and subvert the genre by contrasting lyricism with a more violently assertive element. It exists in a variety of versions and instrumental arrangements, of which the version for violin, viola, clarinet/bass clarinet and piano (Pastorale I) was the first performed, at Joseph Parry Hall, Aberystwyth University (Musicfest), 30 July 1999. With thanks to Neil Greig-Smith for inspiring this version.

The following versions are also available from Composers Edition:

Pastorale for clarinet in Bb, violin, cello and piano

Pastorale I for clarinet in Bb/bass clarinet, violin, viola and piano

Pastorale VI for clarinet in Bb, cello and percussion