Karim Al-Zand

composer

date

2006

duration

7 minutes

instrumentation

bassoon, viola

commission

James Dunham &
Ben Kamins

movements

I. Slowly; gently lyrical
2. Moderate groove
3. Quickly; buoyant, lively

premiere

March 6, 2006
James Dunham, viola
Ben Kamins, bassoon

Duncan Recital Hall
Houston TX

Three Character Pieces

for bassoon & viola

about the piece:

Three Character Pieces is a set of short vignettes, mostly light-hearted and cheerful in mood. It begins with a lyrical piece that features the bassoon playing expressively in its upper register. The second piece is comic and a little off-kilter: its meter alternates six- and five-beat measures, while the instrumental parts leap over one another. A robust and lively dance brings the set to a close. Three Characteristic Pieces was written for James Dunham and Ben Kamins.

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