In January 2020, Carlos Izcaray led the world premiere of his Cello Concerto with soloist Santiago Cañón Valencia and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Three years later, these performances mark the world premiere of his Clarinet Concerto, featuring New York Philharmonic Principal Clarinet Anthony McGill. Izcaray describes the narrative that propels his new work, written in four movements:

The Clarinet Concerto is set in two parts of approximately the same length, with each one including two movements—Darkness and Light, respectively. Movement 1 is set as an instrumental aria, where the soloist represents a protagonist storyteller. A tense chord opens the curtain on our character’s retelling of the arrival of a caravel to coastal Africa. A vessel that for many represents mainly hope and discovery, here it is also a symbol of a civilizational clash, a floating prison en route to an uncertain future across oceans.

Movement 2, Recitativo, is a bitter lament from our main character (the clarinet) who is constantly suppressed by a menacing oppressor (the orchestra). Desolation prevails, and the feeling of hope is somewhat lost. The sounds of a tuning orchestra transport the listener to modern times, where Movement 3, Song and Duet, begins Part 2 of the piece. A young clarinetist discovers the wondrous sounds of an orchestra, especially fascinated by the enchanting sounds of a flute. A Mozartian duet follows, and the clarinet voice transcends into a reflective maturity. A sudden dissonance resurfaces, reminding this new protagonist of his unique ancestry. Movement 4 is the concluding chapter, where hope is regained through a cathartic dance filled with Afro-Caribbean rhythmic elements. Inspired by the amazing story of my friend Anthony McGill, the Clarinet Concerto aims to contribute to this instrument’s rich repertoire while also shedding light on the topic of racial dynamics in contemporary society. The work is through-composed and is somewhat infused with jazz and other modern harmonies. It is dedicated to the memory of Maestro Michael Morgan.