Canzoni di Fiori (Flower Songs), by composer Till Meyn, is a multi-movement piece scored for two E-flat clarinets and string quartet. The work was commissioned by two musician friends: Argentine-born Victoria Luperi, Associate Principal Clarinet and Principal E-flat Clarinet of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and Italian-born Ivan Petruzziello, Assistant Principal Clarinet of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and Principal Clarinet of the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra.

Canzoni explores the theme “Flowers without Borders," each movement representing a flower from a different state or country. It was composed in response to the International Clarinet Association’s call for the “wildflowers of the world to come together to form a more beautifully diverse and inclusive garden,” effecting positive change across borders, cultures, and societal divisions.

The work is in nine movements, seven of which are each devoted to a different flower, representing places around the world where Petruzziello, Luperi, or Meyn has lived. The prelude, interlude, and finale each employ a variation on musical themes derived from the names of the two clarinetists; the final movement, Texas, serves as the finale, representing the place where all three collaborators were making music just a few years ago, and coincidentally, the location of the 2021 premiere performance.

For more information about Canzoni di Fiori, or to purchase the score, please contact the composer at t.meyn@tcu.edu, or visit tillmeyn.com. – TM

“I am so excited to perform and premiere this piece, which is the result of a long collaboration with composer Till Meyn. The work showcases the two E-flat clarinets at their best. His writing is full of wit, charm, lyricism, virtuosity and, best of all, imagination!” – Victoria Luperi