“In 1941, I was invited by Viktor Vaszy to take on a choice double role, as a teacher of composition at the Cluj Conservatory as well as chorus master at the Cluj National Theatre. For me, this meant both an official state appointment and a substantial increase in my income. At the time I was over 35 years old and still without a permanent post. I took up my new duties at the end of the summer. My wife and I felt very much at home in Cluj but the most important for me was that along with my artistic obligations I found time to compose”. Unfortunately we do not know why Farkas wrote in 1992 a new version of the “Three Burlesques” for clarinet quintet and for whom it was intended.

The first movement “Allegro”, arc shaped, is more a succession of rhythmic patterns than melodies, with hectic ostinatos and staccato chords. In the middle of the movement, a short figure, like a second theme, brings a bit of calm and gentleness. The second movement, an expressive “Moderato comodo” and the final “Allegro” are shorter and also contrast with staccato chords. Part of the Eddy Vanoosthuyse clarinet collection.

Instrumentation:

• Clarinet 1
• Clarinet 2
• Basset Horn/Alto Clarinet/Clarinet 3
• Bass Clarinet 1
• Bass Clarinet 2/Contralto Clarinet