Moods In The Waning Hours (2022)

for Bassoon and String Quintet

Duration: 20 min

Instrumentation

Bassoon, Violin, Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass

Program Note

Moods in the Waning Hours is a pocket-sized bassoon concerto in five movements. When Isaac Schultz and I first discussed this commission, we agreed that the piece should show the full versatility of the bassoon. With this as my goal, I decided to write a set of character pieces, each depicting a different mood one might have late in the evening. This five-movement structure grants the bassoon the opportunity to embody numerous contrasting characters within a single work, ranging from delicate to violent.
Many of the bassoon melodies in this piece utilize the instrument’s highest notes. I have always loved the quality of sound in this register – it conveys a forceful intensity while also having the ability to sustain a beautiful lyrical line.

Performances

Performance: 3/2023 Isaac Schultz, bassoon; Third Space Music