Labyrinthes for Clarinet

Structured in two contrasting sections, Labyrinthes opens with a free and exploratory movement, presenting one of the work’s principal motifs in a fluid, improvisatory manner. This is followed by the emergence of a second theme, built from rapidly repeated notes, creating a sense of urgency and inner motion. The first part concludes with a subtle interweaving of these two ideas, as if the clarinettist were navigating a shifting musical maze.

The second section is highly rhythmic and virtuosic, characterised by a sense of dramatic interplay between the performer and an “imaginary instrument”. This illusion is achieved through sudden leaps across registers and the use of extended techniques, most notably the slap tongue—a percussive articulation that lends the clarinet a strikingly physical presence. The effect is one of inner dialogue, or of a labyrinthine duel between distinct voices emanating from the same instrument.

Originally conceived for clarinet, Labyrinthes also exists in versions for flute and saxophone. This clarinet version is dedicated to Ronald Van Spaendonck, who gave the work wide exposure and recorded it on the album Enigma (Dux label, 0531).