CLARE

HOWARD

COMPOSER

ABOUT CLARE

At the core of Clare's approach to composition is a deep appreciation for warmth, honesty, and earnestness. She believes that these values are essential to creating music that is authentic and resonates with others on a profound level.

Drawing inspiration from her own experiences and emotions, Clare's music is a reflection of the connections she has formed with others and the warmth that comes from interpersonal connections. Her compositions speak to the beauty of human nature and the emotions that arise from our shared experience.

Featured works

After the Winter

"After the Winter" is a deeply personal wind quartet that draws its inspiration from the timeless verses of Claude McKay's poetry. Less a grand statement and more an intimate conversation, this piece is a tender exploration of life's unpredictability and the constant, anchoring presence of love amidst it all. The composition doesn't seek to overpower but rather to gently weave a narrative, capturing the uncertainty of life's journey through the intricate interplay of melody and harmony. It echoes the ebb and flow of emotions and the steady, unassuming pulse of the human heart, embodying the push and pull of life's vicissitudes.

At its core, "After the Winter" is a humble homage to the beauty of human resilience and the enduring strength of love. It softly reminds us that no matter the intensity of the winter around us, no matter how daunting the bare branches of uncertainty may seem, the essence of love always remains. It calls us back, time and time again, to the warmth and solace of its embrace. The piece encapsulates McKay's poetic promise: "We'll turn our faces southward, love... And we will build a cottage there... With black-ribbed blue-bells blowing near, And ferns that never fade." This is a gentle reminder, not just of love's power, but of its constancy amidst change, of its capacity to create a sanctuary, a place of unfading beauty, amidst the ever-changing seasons of life.

Airs in Flux

Casting a gentle and thoughtful gaze upon the universal human experience of decision-making, "Airs in Flux" serves as a musical exploration of the emotions that life-altering decisions evoke. It's not a grand statement, but a humble journey into the heart of these pivotal moments. The shifting harmonies and fluttering wind sections in the piece are less about spectacle and more about mirroring the very human feeling of uncertainty we often face at such crossroads. These elements echo the changing perspectives, questions, and considerations that naturally arise during these crucial times.

Despite the introspection and subtle ambiguity, "Airs in Flux" also weaves in a thread of understated optimism. It quietly reminds us of the potential for growth inherent in life's challenges, encouraging a stance of gentle resilience. The ethereal soundscape doesn't impose, but rather suggests an openness to life's unpredictability, softly inviting listeners to embrace the uncertainty. It gently reassures us of the value in trusting our path, even when the way forward isn't clear. In its humbleness, "Airs in Flux" ultimately offers a comforting reminder that every decision, big or small, is but a single note in the grand composition of our lives.