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ABOUT THE COMPOSERFRANCISCO JAVIER
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ABOUT THE ALBUM
Modern Reflections is a collection that celebrates the timeless influence of music across cultures and eras, reimagined through the expressive voice of the clarinet quartet. Each piece in this album draws on a unique inspiration, from the lonesome beauty of American folk tunes to the passionate rhythms of Spanish dance and the evocative art of Francisco Goya.
Through these arrangements, we invite listeners to explore a tapestry of themes—renewal, resilience, nostalgia, and joy—revealed in a new light for the modern audience.
Through these arrangements, we invite listeners to explore a tapestry of themes—renewal, resilience, nostalgia, and joy—revealed in a new light for the modern audience.
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KRISTINE DIZONDr. Kristine Dizon is a Banting Postdoctoral Fellow (2024–2026) at Concordia University, Montréal, and the Carlos Miguel Prieto Conducting Fellow at OAcademy Conservatory. She is an accomplished clarinetist, conductor, and educator, as well as the Founder of The Modern Artist Project and the Music & Language Learning Center.
Her debut album, An American In Paris, was praised as “a delightful escape into the realm of timeless beauty and artistic expression” (Anna Roach), while her duet album Two of a Kind with Radovan Cavallin showcases “excellent performances” that explore new dimensions of clarinet music (Osiris Molina). Dizon will soon release Unheard Voices, a CD featuring works by French women composers. She recently won second place at the International Clarinet Association’s Research Competition for her study “Gender and Power Dynamics in Québec and French Female Clarinet Compositions.” She holds a PhD from the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, an advanced conducting certificate from Conservatorio Svizzera Italiana, and degrees from Berklee College of Music and École Normale de Musique de Paris. Dizon performs on Moe-Bleichner Clarinets and Silverstein Ligatures. |
RADOVAN CAVALLINRadovan Cavallin, born in Zagreb, Croatia, in 1969, is an acclaimed clarinetist known for his expressive style and technical mastery. He began his studies at the Academy of Music at the University of Zagreb, becoming their youngest student, and later attended the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris, winning First Prizes in both Chamber Music and Clarinet.
Cavallin has performed over 400 solo concerts worldwide, appearing with prestigious orchestras such as the Zagreb Philharmonic, Sinfonia Varsovia, and the Dubrovnik Symphony. As a soloist, he has toured with Sting and recorded for labels including Croatia Records and BMG Arte Nova. Cavallin is also the founder of multiple chamber ensembles and serves as Artistic Director of several international festivals. Currently, he is Principal Clarinet of the Orquesta Filarmónica de Gran Canaria and Professor of Clarinet at the OFGC Academy. He isendorsed by Selmer, Backun, Silverstein, and D’Addario for his instrument and accessories. |
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LAURA SANCHEZBorn in Teror, Gran Canaria, Laura Sánchez began her clarinet studies with Eusebio Bravo and continued at prestigious institutions, including the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Canarias and Hochschule für Musik Karlsruhe.
She studied under renowned teachers like Radovan Cavallin, José Luis Estellés, and W. Meyer, holding degrees in Music and multiple master’s in performance, Chamber Music, and Music Therapy. Sánchez has performed as a clarinet soloist with the Joven Orquesta de Gran Canaria and collaborated with major orchestras such as the Orquesta Sinfónica de Euskadi and the Orquesta Sinfónica de Tenerife. Currently, she is a member of the Orquesta Filarmónica de Gran Canaria and teaches at the Escuela Municipal de Música Candidito de Teror. A dedicated educator and advocate for Canarian music, Sánchez has premiered and recorded works by contemporary composers from the Canary Islands, contributing to the region's musical heritage and cultural growth. |
SAMUEL HERNANDEZHailed by The Herald as “one of the best Spanish clarinetists of his generation,” Samuel Hernández was born in La Laguna in 1985. He began his studies at the Conservatorio Profesional de Tenerife and became the youngest student at the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Canarias at 17.
Awarded a scholarship to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, he completed his studies with Distinction and Honors under Maximiliano Martin and Heather Nicoll. Hernández has performed with top orchestras, including the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony, and Bournemouth Symphony, at esteemed venues like the Musikverein, Royal Albert Hall, and Shanghai Concert Hall. Currently, he is a guest clarinetist with the Macao Orchestra, Orquesta Sinfónica Verum, and others, and serves as Principal Conductor of the Patronato Banda de Música de Valle de Guerra. Additionally, he teaches clarinet at the Escuela de Música AMC Ernesto Beteta de Santa Úrsula and is the bass clarinetist of the Orquesta Filarmonica de Gran Canaria. |
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CD LINER NOTES
Francisco Javier de Alba, 'Spring'Dedicated to Dr. Robert Spring, this piece is a tribute to a beloved mentor, symbolizing gratitude and renewal. The music captures the mixed emotions surrounding his retirement, weaving a tapestry of wistful themes with lively motifs. Inspired by Dr. Lisa Oberlander’s encouragement, the work evolves into a bright, hopeful conclusion, celebrating the "spring" of new beginnings. This heartfelt piece invites listeners to reflect on personal growth and the impact of guiding figures in our lives. |
Francisco Javier de Alba, 'Unstoppable Machines'Unstoppable Machines portrays the relentless march from youth to adulthood, beginning with a simple, introspective melody that grows into complex harmonies and challenging rhythms. This piece embodies the unstoppable momentum of modern life—a force that shapes our paths and propels us forward. Designed for advanced ensembles, it requires players to convey both intensity and introspection, offering a musical reflection on the machinery of life’s inevitable progress. |
Francisco Javier de Alba, 'Reverberations'Inspired by the phenomenon of sound echoing in vast spaces, Reverberations creates an intimate dialogue between two clarinets. The piece invites performers to explore balance and blend, producing an ethereal quality that resonates with both performers and listeners. Dedicated to Dr. Victoria Deutsch, this work is as technically challenging as it is artistically rewarding, capturing moments of stillness and introspection in a world filled with noise. |
Francisco Javier de Alba, 'The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters'Inspired by Francisco Goya’s haunting aquatint The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters, this piece was originally written for clarinet quintet, but was specifically arranged and dedicated to Kristine Dizon for this performance. This piece explores themes of reason, imagination, and the darkness that can emerge when they are out of balance. Goya’s original artwork, part of his Los Caprichos series, depicts nightmarish creatures representing ignorance and folly. Musically, this composition mirrors the eerie, surreal quality of Goya’s vision, intertwining somber melodies and layered harmonies. Suitable for intermediate players, it is a reminder of the perils of unchecked imagination, capturing Goya’s cautionary message through haunting soundscapes. |
Percy Grainger, arr. Francisco Javier de Alba, 'Mock Morris'Originally composed by Percy Grainger in 1910 and inspired by the lively energy of English Morris dancing, Mock Morris is a playful and rhythmic piece that has charmed audiences for generations. In this clarinet quartet arrangement, Grainger’s whimsical spirit comes alive as the players bring a new vibrancy to its folk-inspired melody. Suitable for intermediate ensembles, this version captures the dance-like energy and humor of Grainger’s original, inviting listeners to join in its celebration of joy and movement. |
Percy Grainger, arr. Francisco Javier de Alba, 'Eastern Intermezzo'Inspired by the exotic sounds that Percy Grainger encountered in his youth, Eastern Intermezzobrings a lively Eastern influence on the clarinet quartet. Originally composed in 1898 and later arranged for percussion, this piece explores rhythmic intensity and colorful tonalities. This arrangement captures the same vibrant energy, allowing clarinetists to express the adventurous spirit of Grainger’s early fascination with non-Western music. |
Percy Grainger, arr. Francisco Javier de Alba, 'Country Gardens'Country Gardens is a charming English folk tune popularized by Percy Grainger in 1918. Known for its dance-like rhythm and joyful melody, this piece has been a favorite for generations. In this clarinet quartet arrangement, Country Gardens retains its folk charm while allowing each player to contribute to its lively, interactive character. |
Percy Grainger, arr. Francisco Javier de Alba, 'Handel in the Strands'Grainger’s Handel in the Strand is a lighthearted nod to the Baroque composer, blending Handel’s style with the lively spirit of English music halls. Originally composed for piano in 1911, the piece has been adapted into various settings, each capturing its joyful energy. In this clarinet quartet arrangement, Handel in the Strand comes to life with buoyant melodies and rhythmic interplay, allowing each clarinetist moments to shine. |
Percy Grainger, arr. Francisco Javier de Alba, 'Spoon River'Based on an American folk tune first heard by Captain Charles H. Robinson in 1857, Spoon River captures the rugged beauty and nostalgia of pioneer America. Percy Grainger’s arrangement, originally created for piano and “elastic scoring,” reflects a blend of lonesome wistfulness and sturdy persistence. This clarinet quartet arrangement preserves these elements, inviting performers to explore the soulful character of the American folk tradition. Perfect for intermediate ensembles, Spoon River evokes images of a bygone era and celebrates the enduring spirit of folk music. |
Manuel de Falla, arr. Francisco Javier de Alba, 'La Vida Breve'Manuel de Falla’s opera La Vida Breve tells a tragic story of unrequited love and heartbreak, set in early 20th-century Spain. This arrangement for clarinet quartet features Danza Española No. 1, a lively Spanish dance that contrasts with the opera’s underlying sorrow. Known for its vibrant rhythms and captivating melody, the dance captures the celebratory spirit of a betrothal while hinting at the opera’s tragic themes. Advanced ensembles will enjoy interpreting de Falla’s Spanish soundscapes, balancing joy with subtle hints of melancholy. |
Francisco Javier de Alba, 'Loop 101 South'
Inspired by the journey along Arizona’s Loop 101 freeway, this minimalist piece evokes the steady pulse of a long drive, reminiscent of Steve Reich’s influence.
With unchanging momentum, Loop 101 South challenges clarinetists to maintain precision and endurance, creating a hypnotic effect as each voice weaves into the overall sonic landscape. Ideal for advanced players, this piece captures the rhythm of modern life on the road, offering listeners a glimpse into the endless movement of a journey that never stops.
With unchanging momentum, Loop 101 South challenges clarinetists to maintain precision and endurance, creating a hypnotic effect as each voice weaves into the overall sonic landscape. Ideal for advanced players, this piece captures the rhythm of modern life on the road, offering listeners a glimpse into the endless movement of a journey that never stops.