4827395A-FE49-475C-A61E-CEF8E3911E8B

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ID4827395A-FE49-475C-A61E-CEF8E3911E8B
TitlecodeR01187
Title NameConcerto for Bassoon and String Quartet
Marketing CopyThree-movement work for Bassoon and String Quartet, featuring contrasting characteristic solo lines for the bassoonist. Movements: I. A Light Touch, II. A Moment of Peace, III. In Motion
InstrumentationBassoon Solo, String Quartet, (optional Double Bass)
Commission(not set)
Dedication(not set)
Program NotesThe three movements of the Concerto for Bassoon and Strings focus on three distinct sets of characteristics often associated with the Bassoon: bouncy & light; lyrical & expressive; rhythmic & assertive.

The first movement, "A Light Touch," is marked 'with a joyous lilt'. The Bassoon enters, bouncing down the scale, and then jumping back up the octave. This diatonic theme is contrasted with sections that carry the tonal center far from the original D Minor, into the A Flat regions. The contrasting sections bring some dissonance and syncopation against the theme. But, all resolves quickly at the end. This movement is a rondo in form.

"A Moment of Peace" is established through slowly unfolding chords and lines. After introductory patterns in the strings, the Bassoon initiates a melody with the simple, stepwise motif E-F-E-D (within a C Major-A Minor tonality). The delicacy of this theme is created through mordents, grace notes and other forms of ornamentation. This movement is structured as a theme and variations which rarely stray far from the home tonality, yet cover a wide range of dynamic, tempi and mood. The expressive high range of the Bassoon is explored particularly in the closing section.

"In Motion" can best be described as a "driven rondo-with-cadenza." The pace of this movement is relentless, with the Bassoon as the most active player. A restlessness is felt with the shifting tonal centers of each new statement of the theme. The harmonic structures are spare, and the style is forceful. This is energetic music.

Concerto for Bassoon and Strings was composed especially for Bassoonist Janet Polk of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra. The composer has enjoyed her collaborations with M. Polk in the past, and wished to create something special to further the musical dialogue!

Gwyneth Walker
Title Brand2
Year Composed2000
Copyright Number(not set)
Copyright Year(not set)
Duration14
Ensemble Size5
Date Created2008-10-31 20:33:17.000000
Date Updated2025-09-30 20:33:17
Inhouse Note(not set)
Bsc Code(not set)
Text Author(not set)
Premier Performance Memo(not set)
Recording Credits(not set)
Review(not set)
Awards(not set)
Title Category2
Title MovementsI. A Light Touch
II. A Moment of Peace
III. In Motion
Title Grade(not set)
Set Series ID(not set)
Title Instrument Category TextQuintet
Title Sub Category Text(not set)
Title Sub Category100
Title Instrument Header20
Title Grade Text(not set)
Clean Urlconcerto-for-bassoon-and-string-quartet-r01187