November in Coimbra
clarinet & piano
November in Coimbra
Instrumentation: Clarinet & Piano
Duration: 6’00”
Year: 2024
Program Note:
Coimbra, the former capital of Portugal, is a historic city, home to the prestigious University of Coimbra. It is often referred to as “The Oxford of Portugal” and, more recently, as “The Hogwarts of Portugal,” after the flowing black robes worn by its students. The old town, set on a steep hilltop, sports a bustling maze of impossibly narrow stone streets that meander down to the Mondego River. I had the great pleasure of wandering this charming city in the fall of 2021 and listening to some local Fado, a traditional folk music that is still quite popular. I was particularly taken by the tune “Coimbra” (later popularized as “April in Portugal”). I drew on its melody as inspiration for this piece, an homage to a beautiful city that stirred my heart.