Ulla in Africa: 4 Clarinets (3 Clarinets in B-flat & Bass Clarinet in B-flat) Conductor Score & Parts

Wiberny writes with genuine groove and orchestral clarity. The three B-flat clarinets and bass clarinet texture gives you harmonic richness and rhythmic precision without doubling what a saxophone quartet would do. This is the kind of contemporary clarinet writing that energizes student ensembles.

The piece opens with the unmistakable lilt of African highlife layered with Latin funk rhythms. Harmonies are modern and warm; the grooves propel forward without demanding virtuosity, creating a feel that's both sophisticated and immediately accessible.

Clarinet quartets with solid fundamentals and comfort in contemporary styles. This works for advanced middle school groups or any high school/university ensemble looking to build ensemble cohesion through functional, stylistically grounded music.

• Lock the rhythm section early. The bass clarinet anchors the funk pocket; get that player comfortable with the groove before layering the three B-flat lines.
• Balance the upper voices against the bass. Three clarinets in the same register can muddy quickly. Emphasize the top voice and keep the middle voices transparent.
• Lean into the African highlife feel. These grooves thrive on a relaxed, lilting swing rather than mechanical precision; encourage your players to listen to recordings of the style.

Program this alongside other world music or contemporary jazz pieces to showcase stylistic range. It works especially well as a pops concert opener or as a bridge between classical and improvisation-focused programming.

• Locked ensemble rhythm in funk and Latin contexts
• Balance and voice independence within a homogeneous clarinet quartet
• Stylistic awareness of African highlife and Latin funk idioms
• Ensemble articulation and phrasing across multiple voices