Programme Note Amare (Latin, "to love") was written as a wedding gift for Annick Mabille and Etienne Lamaison on the occasion of their marriage, April 29, 1995. Love is such a joyous rush of emotion, often uncontrolled, but always powerful and honest. The initial burst of notes (derived from the musical transliterations of the names of Annick Mabille and Etienne Lamaison) reflects this emotional explosion and provides the material for the three sections of the piece. Annick's "theme" quickly appears in isolation in the flute, and is taken up by the clarinet. After a development of this theme, a more reflective section allows the clarinet to soar over an accompaniment derived from Etienne's "theme." The third section contains playful fugal passages, resolving into a more pastoral coda, with the two instruments concluding the piece on a unison cadence. Love that supports and nourishes but does not smother or confine is a rare pleasure. Two hearts, two voices...distinct, separate...brought together by chance, mingling and parting, yet remaining united in the same purpose.