Sunset Song op.42 for bassoon and piano was written and premiered in 1994 at the Los Angeles Museum of Art, Bing Theatre. It is the composer´s second large work featuring the bassoon as soloist (after Hexen) and like Hexen it is also dedicated to bassoonist Judith Farmer who premiered it with the composer at the piano.Sunset Song is technically a tour de force for both the bassoon and the piano. It is happy, sensuous, obsessive and at times mocking - often reflecting the time in which it was written and the events of a Mexico tour that followed the first performance during which the piece underwent revisions.The piece starts with an introduction played by the bassoon almost entirely. This introduction uses elements of 1950s pop music. A middle section follows where a static -almost Middle Eastern- ostinato rhythmic pattern beats with increasing tension. This pattern is then transformed to a Latin beat which finally returns the piece to the opening mood. The bassoon ends the piece in an irreverent tone, with a pitch written two octaves above the official limit of the instrument's register. The title Sunset Song was inspired by California's sunsets and the sun setting on the Pacific Ocean. / Basson Et Piano

Mr Sheen's Miscellany For Bassoon was written for the Trinity Guildhall Examination Board syllabus. It is aimed principally at students of grades 1 to 5 and intended to combine technical challenges with that most vital musical ingredient: fun.Mr Sheen's Miscellany For Bassoon - Grade 1 contains three pieces for bassoon and piano by Graham Sheen.Polka-dots.There are three contrasting types of expression for the bassoonist here. The opening phrase is staccato which is followed (at bar 11) by a sustained counter melody. Finally (at bar 19) both these effects are combined in a second melody which needs very clear dynamicplaying.Monkey Puzzle.Sustaining the sound while re-articulating the notes is important in this piece. In other words the opening should be played almost slurred. Be aware of the changing harmonies underneath the held notes in the bassoon part.Serious Song.Long but separate notes contrast with real legato. The main theme is marked tenuto so full value for each note especially ending notes. Even the quavers aren't very short at this speed. Try to make the richest sound you can like for example a fine Russian baritone.