Herbert L. Clarke

Valse Caprice

Herbert L. Clarke was a legendary composer and musician active in the early part of the 20th century, well-known for his solos for cornet, trombone, euphonium and combinations of brass instruments with band accompaniment. What is not as well-known is that Clarke also wrote three works for alto saxophone and band! Helen, Valse Caprice and Lavinia were written between 1918-1922 in Canada for Charles Shaw, saxophonist for the Anglo-Canadian Leather Company Band which Clarke directed at the time. Valse Caprice is a fine example of pure lyric elegance. Written in modified ABA form, the principal theme is followed by a more embellished variation in eighth notes. The contrasting middle section is a pensive meno mosso, which leads into a reprise with cadenza-like figures, building to a rousing conclusion. The historic publication of these three works by Southern Music represents a significant contribution to saxophone solo and band literature that will introduce generations of musicians to some of Herbert Clarkes finest hidden gems.