© 2016, MaLoMaLo Press

for Bassoon

Duration: 9:45 min.

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Program Notes:

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This year, I decided to finally write myself a solo. The piece developed into a personal lament at having no one else to make music with. In the beginning, each variation of the theme adds another extended technique, becoming successively more disturbed by the reality of my situation. The middle section uses similar motivic material to explore the extreme range of the bassoon, and the fascinating potential for disjunct grace notes to hint at counterpoint. The cadenza-like arpeggiation at the end was heavily influenced by Bach’s cello suites, which I was also working toward performing in lieu of an accompanist. The piece resolves, yet simultaneously lacks resolution, as if to say, “Yes, I have poured out my complaint. But does it have to stay this way?”

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