Schvitz 2 Exist
for Clarinet in B♭ and Piano Zoe Cutler (b. 1996)
Zoe’s Sounds Publishing (ASCAP)
© 2022 — 7”
 
Listen here at 49:30.
 
Commissioned by Austin Chasnick.
 
Download includes score, clarinet part, and playalong piano track for practicing.
 
Program Note
Imagine kvetching over some decaf espresso with your queer, neurodivergent, Jewish sister- in-law. Schvitz 2 Exist is a quirky collection of rhapsodic moments that might make you say, “Did they give me caffeinated espresso by accident?” or “Are you sure this is oat milk? I forget what cow milk tastes like.” The piece begins with a quick wail before settling into a solemn procession of sadness. But don’t lose hope! Soon our procession is running late for work and anxiety is high. Dodging oncoming traffic, we eventually break into a fever dream scherzo. Imagination is running wild. After a few moments of calm punctuated by sobs, the piece ends with a fury of syncopation and hyperfocus. Oh the sweet, sweet smell of sweat. We need it to live! It’s called your body’s natural functions, sweaty. (They definitely gave me caffeine, didn’t they.)