Thomas C. Duffy, Music Director
● “Guignol: Concerto for Bassoon and Small Wind Orchestra” (Stephen Gryc)
The character of Guignol was created at the beginning of the 19th century by a dentist in Lyon, France who attracted customers to his chair by presenting puppet shows. The satirical music of this piece will be performed by Frank Morelli, bassoon, and epitomizes the witty banter and frenetic action of a puppet show with the soloist playing the part of the comic hero.
● “From the Shores of the Mighty Pacific” (Herbert L. Clarke)
This solo cornet piece by American cornet virtuoso Herbert L. Clarke has been described as a “Rondo Caprice.” He recorded it with the Sousa Band. Tonight’s arrangement, adapted for bassoon, will feature Professor Morelli.
● Composed in 1937 for the American Bandmasters Association, Percy Grainger’s “Lincolnshire Posy” remains one of the composer’s most well-known and regarded works. The six movements inflect the vocal styles and timbres of folk singers in Lincolnshire, England who Grainger spent two years recording across 1905 – 1906. The piece is stunningly lyrical yet at the same time light, airy, and brash.
● Excerpted as the second movement from his “Symphonia Serena,” Paul Hindemith’s “Geschwindmarsch by Beethoven” draws heavily on Beethoven’s “March in F,” also featured in the concert. Though composed for orchestra, this second movement was composed entirely for winds and percussion and will be performed as originally written.
● “Vientos y Tangos” (Michael Gandolfi) is a fantasy of tangos, drawing from early Juan D’arienzo, Astor Piazolla’s “Tango Nuevo,” and Disco/Techno tango. An inventive array of harmonies and instrumental combinations recalls the traditional sound of the tango while exploring the coloristic possibilities of the wind ensemble.
Other music: “Audible Images” (Nancy Galbraith); “The Liberty Bell” (John Philip Sousa)