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.