GRA (‘Play’ in Polish) for solo clarinet, was written as a tribute to my dear friend, Witold Lutoslawski, to commemorate his 80th birthday. During the twenty-five or so years that I have known Witold, I have never ceased to admire his impressive works and his gracious personality. This piece combines frequently changing, playful characters together (all based on the same material) and recalls to me my many delighted visits with the composer in America and Poland.
-Elliott Carter
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