Life of the Party

From Wind Repertory Project
Don Freund

Don Freund


Subtitle: Concerto for Bassoon and 16 Friends


General Info

Year: 2000
Duration: c. 30:00
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Keiser Southern Music
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - rental   |   Score - free download here


Movements

1. Party Music 1: Hard Rock / Chat 1: Small Talk (Bassoon w/Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Contrabassoon)
2. Party Music 2: Gospel / Chat 2: Religion (Bassoon w/Synth, Contrabassoon, Marimba)
3. Party Music 3: Techno / Chat 3: Politics (Bassoon w/Trumpet, Horn, & Trombone)
4. Party Music 4: Posh / Chat 4: Sports (Bassoon w/Piano, Flute, Clarinet)
5. Chat 5: Art (Bassoon w/String Quartet) / Party Music 5: Cool Jazz
6. Party Music 6: Blues / Chat 6: Flirts (Bassoon w/Electric Guitar, Contrabassoon w/Electric Bass)
7. Duo Cadenza: Break-up (Basson & Contrabassoon)
8. Party Music 7: Deep Funk / Soliloquy: Broke-up (Bassoon w/Piano)
9. Ballad: Make-up
10. Finale: Celebrate!


Instrumentation

Full Score
Flute
Oboe
Clarinet
Solo Bassoon
ContraBassoon
Trumpet
Horn
Trombone
Electric Guitar
Electric Bass (double on Double Bass)
Piano (double on Synthesizer)
Percussion, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Bongos
  • Cowbell
  • Drumset
  • Finger Cymbals
  • Guiro
  • Marimba
  • Tam-tam, small
  • Temple Blocks (5)
  • Vibraphone

Violin I-II
Viola
Cello


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Life of the Party (Concerto for Bassoon and 16 Friends) could be described as an instrumental mini-opera with two identifiable layers of musical activity. One layer is the “Party Music,” a series of “songs” in varied vernacular styles which recede into the background to allow the more intimate party “chats” to be heard.

The scenario is this: the bassoon and its date, the contrabassoon, show up at a party, and before long engage in a “small-talk chat” with the other woodwinds -- a breezy triple-triple meter against the heavy duple of the “hard rock party music.” When a new “Gospel Party Music” begins, the bassoon and contra begin an earnest, spirited discussion of religion with the electric piano, later joined by the marimba. This odd mixture of gospel blues, Messiaen-ic chords, and simulated Gregorian chant yields to the next party music, a robotic “Techno” passacaglia, over which the bassoon and brass trio engage in a heated debate about politics. This stark tension is replaced by the thick, rich harmonies of the “Posh Party Music,” over which the bassoon and piano (later joined by the flute and clarinet) discuss sports in 16th-note flurries of sinewy athleticism. The string quartet interrupts, advancing some abstract theories of art; the bassoon sympathizes, while “Cool Jazz Party Music” is heard in the background. A sultry “Blues Party Music” follows, with sexy electric guitar riffs that elicit some flagrant flirtation from the bassoon. The contrabassoon is outraged, and retaliates by becoming closely intertwined with the electric bass. A lovers’ spat erupts, a duo-cadenza for bassoon and contra, full of choice multiphonics and other extended effects. During the ensuing “Deep Funk Party Music” the bassoon goes off by itself and has a cry. The contra re-enters, and reconciliation is found in a country-flavored "Ballad." All is well; the party ends with a rollicking celebration!

Life of the Party was inspired by the incomparably vivacious personality and astounding virtuosity of Kim Walker.

- Program Note by Don Freund


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources

  • Don Freund website Accessed 29 January 2020
  • Freund, D. (2000). Life of the Psrty: (Bassoon and 16 Friends (2000)) [score]. MMB Music: St. Louis, Mo.
  • Perusal score