4886EC4D-69A6-4E92-A295-363228333EB2
| ID | 4886EC4D-69A6-4E92-A295-363228333EB2 |
|---|---|
| Titlecode | R01153 |
| Title Name | Life of the Party: Concerto for Bassoon and 16 Friends |
| 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 | (not set) |
| 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 | 2 |
| Year Composed | 2000 |
| Copyright Number | (not set) |
| Copyright Year | (not set) |
| Duration | 30 |
| Ensemble Size | 12 |
| Date Created | 2008-10-31 20:31:05.000000 |
| Date Updated | 2025-09-30 20:31:05 |
| Inhouse Note | (not set) |
| Bsc Code | (not set) |
| Text Author | (not set) |
| 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 | (not set) |
| Review | (not set) |
| Awards | (not set) |
| Title Category | 2 |
| Title Movements | (not set) |
| Title Grade | (not set) |
| Set Series ID | (not set) |
| Title Instrument Category Text | Large Chamber Ensemble |
| Title Sub Category Text | (not set) |
| Title Sub Category | 100 |
| Title Instrument Header | 25 |
| Title Grade Text | (not set) |
| Clean Url | life-of-the-party-concerto-for-bassoon-and-16-friends-r01153 |