Programme Note (written by Daniel Asia and Don-Paul Kahl): “The Jane Set was originally conceived as part of a series for solo instruments, in this case solo clarinet or saxophone. A duo part was integrated at a later time for two like instruments. Upon the request of Duo Entre-Nous, The Jane Set was expanded to encompass both instrumental worlds fusing the versions for saxophone and clarinet. Like its progenitor, The Alex Set (for solo oboe or saxophone), this work is evocative, idiomatic, virtuosic, and widely expressive. The four contrasting movements are marked Misterioso; Murmuring, ghostly, flexibly; Vivace; and Misterioso. Playful, with the speed moving from slow, to moderato, to fast, and finally back to slow again, this presents a completed journey. Why the name? With the first set, in Asia’s youthful ebullience, he figured, “hmm, a name?” – if not sonata or study, perhaps a real name. He chose Alex, which was propitious, as the work, in its final form, was commissioned by the great oboist Alex Klein. He then decided to continue this playful approach with this set as well as The Jack Set for solo bassoon.”
View The Jane Set – Daniel Asia – Performed Live by Duo Entre-Nous on Youtube