Inhalt:
Three pieces for bassoon and piano by Graham Sheen. This collection of
three pieces dates from February 2011 and was written for the Trinity
Guildhall examination board syllabus. It is aimed principally at students of
grades 3 to 5 and intended to combine technical challenges with that most
vital musical ingredient: fun. Bodhán. The melody here is very broken up,
so breathe and be ready for the next entry in good time. Don't drag behind
the 'drum' in the piano part. Notice that only some of the notes are marked
staccato. À la Modal. Modes are scales based on the white notes of the
piano, say, so you won't find a single accidental in this piece. It shows
that expression in music depends on more than just the dynamics, that is, how
loudly and softly you play. We also need to observe the articulation markings
such as staccato, tenuto and the accents on both long and short notes.
Schubert's Ghost. Schubert is one of my favourite composers. I hope you enjoy
the swing of the dotted rhythms and accents in this little Viennese
impression. There are three musical quotations: one from Schubert himself,
one from a later Viennese composer, Gustav Mahler and, near the end, the Dies
Irae tune which has been used by many composers.
Bodhrán
À la Modal
Schubert's Ghost