I see this piece in three main sections. The first of which is quite energetic and dark, the second has a very strong element of Blues sounds and rhythms, and the third and final section is again energetic and dark to match the first. As a whole I have tried to create a musical journey, creating a musical sandwich illustrating both the �Dark� parts of the title, which are the beginning and the end of the piece itself, and the �Blue� parts, which are the developing parts in the middle. The Blues sounds seem quite subtle and are hidden away at first, but gradually the piece develops and these ideas emerge at the forefront of the ensemble before long. I have used the ensemble in quite a conventional way at times. The piano part throughout maintains the accompaniment and sometimes provides a very minimal texture to the piece. However, its role is extremely important, as it is the piano alone that drives the entire piece forward, and this enables the ensemble to interact with it and maintain a developing theme. The strings are used very much as the �middle force� and the main role of the Violin and Cello is to maintain depth and atmosphere whilst at some points being offered a chance to express themselves lyrically. The main solo instrument almost throughout this piece though is the Clarinet, especially in the middle section. This instrument I felt could offer the most expression and dynamic range in regards to the sounds and characteristics which I had in mind, so this is the reason why it is so much in the forefront for the most part of the composition. This piece is intended to reflect the title completely in that the Bluesy sounds and rhythms are completely hidden at first and are gradually unearthed, but covered up once more towards the end. This is, indeed, the secret.