INTERNAL DATA CENTER v2.1 (MySQL)
Home
Upload
CRUDs
Writers
Titles
Title Instruments
Title Categories
Title Sub-Categories
Title Media
Series
Products
Organizations
Performances
Back to WordPress
Home
Titles
4886EC4D-69A6-4E92-A295-363228333EB2
Update
Update Title: 4886EC4D-69A6-4E92-A295-363228333EB2
ID
Titlecode
Title Name
Marketing Copy
Don Freund's Life of the Party (Concerto for Bassoon and 16 Friends) could be described as an instrumental mini-opera with two identifiable layers of musical activity. One layer is the "Party Music," a series of "songs" in varied vernacular styles which recede into the background to allow the more intimate party "Chats" to be heard.
Instrumentation
Bassoon Solo Flute, Oboe, B-flat Clarinet, ContraBassoon, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Percussion, Piano (d Synthesizer), 2Violin, Viola, Cello, Electric Guitar, Electric Bass (d Double Bass), Drum Set
Commission
Dedication
For Kim Walker
Program Notes
Don Freund's Life of the Party (Concerto for Bassoon and 16 Friends) could be described as an instrumental mini-opera with two identifiable layers of musical activity. One layer is the "Party Music," a series of "songs" in varied vernacular styles which recede into the background to allow the more intimate party "Chats" to be heard. The scenario is this: the bassoon and its date, the contrabassoon, show up at a party, and before long engage in a "Small-Talk Chat" with the other woodwinds--a breezy triple-triple meter against the heavy duple of the "Hard Rock Party Music." When a new "Gospel Party Music" begins, the bassoon and contra begin an earnest, spirited discussion of religion with the electric piano, later joined by the marimba. This odd mixture of gospel blues, Messiaen-ic chords, and simulated Gregorian chant yields to the next party music, a robotic "Techno" passacaglia, over which the bassoon and brass trio engage in a heated debate about politics. This stark tension is replaced by the thick, rich harmonies of the "Posh Party Music," over which the bassoon and piano (later joined by the flute and clarinet) discuss sports in 16th-note flurries of sinewy athleticism. The string quartet interrupts, advancing some abstract theories of art; the bassoon sympathizes, while "Cool Jazz Party Music" is heard in the background. A sultry "Blues Party Music" follows, with sexy electric guitar riffs that elicit some flagrant flirtation from the bassoon. The contrabassoon is outraged, and retaliates by becoming closely intertwined with the electric bass. A lovers' spat erupts a duo-cadenza for bassoon and contra, full of choice multiphonics and other extended effects. During the ensuing "Deep Funk Party Music" the bassoon goes off by itself and has a cry. The contra re-enters, and reconciliation is found in a country-flavored Ballad. All is well; the party ends with a rollicking celebration! Life of the Party was inspired by the incomparably vivacious personality and astounding virtuoisity of Kim Walker. --Don Freund
Title Brand
Year Composed
Copyright Number
Copyright Year
Duration
Ensemble Size
Date Created
Date Updated
Inhouse Note
Bsc Code
Text Author
Premier Performance Memo
-International Double Reed Society/ Australasian Double Reed Society. Kim Walker, Bassoon. 2 Jun 2004. -University of Iowa. David Gompper. 25 Jan 2001
Recording Credits
Review
Awards
Title Category
Title Movements
Title Grade
Set Series ID
Title Instrument Category Text
Title Sub Category Text
Title Sub Category
Title Instrument Header
Title Grade Text
Clean Url
Save