'Rhapsody', composed for clarinet and electro acoustic tape, was inspired by George Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue'. Both compositions, though they differ structurally and sonically, have as their musical objective the integration of traditional popular elements with contemporary serious music.

'Rhapsody' showcases modern clarinet techniques in its use of multiphonics, virtuostic passages, alternate fingerings and timbral fluctuations. The electroacoustic component provides a rich textural background which interacts periodically with the clarinet, creating an active dialogue between the two elements. Formally, the composition evolves as an accumulative structure, ending climactically with a quasi-improvisatory clarinet solo. 'Rhapsody' was commissioned by Dr. Paul Bendzsa and was realized at the University of Western Ontario Digital Sound Laboratories. (Kristi Allik)