X Concerto

The X Concerto by Scott McAllister is a work in three movements heavily influenced by the grunge music of Nirvana and Alice in Chains. Grunge music, popular in the late 80’s and early to mid 90’s, was typically angst-filled and highlighted themes of confinement with a desire for more freedom. This concerto showcases the entire range of the clarinet, almost mimicking grunge’s desire for freedom. In particular, the slow second movement was inspired by Nirvana’s “Where Did you Sleep Last Night” which itself was inspired by the Appalachian folk song “In the Pines.” Like the grunge style, this work, with its explosive driving sections and contrasting psychedelic passages, represents the energy and emotions of the X generation.