A set of four short and simple but wonderfully melodic pieces for the intermediate Bassoon soloist. Ideally suited to be performed as a set of four the pieces can be played individually making them perfect for early concerts festivals and recitals or just as a satisfying addition to your first repertoire.

Grade 3-This collection of pieces 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.Four pieces for bassoon and piano by Graham Sheen.Drunken Sailor - the sequelThis needs a plaintive tone especially in the upper register where the dynamics are particularly important. To capture the mood of the piece those slurs in bars 35 and 36 for example might even be close to a glissando. Use your imagination to recreate the sailor's state of health!The Vulgar BoatmanNot only more 'hidden' melodies but moreappalling puns! (Volga Boatman for those not versed in Russian folksongs). This is like a waltz: it is written in 3/4 time but played so as to give the impression of one beat in bar. The melodies need to be well sustained so that we hear four eight or even more bars as a single phrase. Clues for the musical detective:- in addition to the Volga Boatman you might spot just a hint of 'Sailing down the River on a Sunday Afternoon' 'We Sail the Ocean Blue' (H.M.S. Pinafore) The Eton Boat Song and even Wagner's Flying Dutchman.Last Tango in HarrisEveryone must surely know these thinly disguised Scottish tunes but can you make them sound like a tango? Bear in mind that tangos are not jazz: the rhythm is quite strict but the tango character is in the tone and the phrasing. Notice how expressive the occasional shorter note value can be as in bars 4 and 5 in the bassoon part.Rheumanian StretchesOr was that Rumanian Sketches? This is a chance to play the main melody in two registers of the bassoon. Try to make a good even sound in both octaves. This piece requires careful counting since the phrases in the bassoon part don't always begin where you might expect. Think of this piece as a song.

Four short movements for two Bassoons.Composer's Note.Take Two Bassoons is planned as one of a series of light-hearted works for pairs of instruments written with advice from performers who are also experienced teachers. Many of these pieces explore some specific opportunities and challenges inherent in the technique of each instrument.There are four short movements: Jaunty Tenderly Angry and Running Wild.Note from Marc Goldberg.Thea Musgrave asked to meet with me in New York to discuss a set of duets she was writing and we got together over coffee near Carnegie Hall for an indepth discussionabout the bassoon. I confess to having had momentary misgivings when asked to list things that were difficult to do on the instrument envisioning for a moment an etude of unforgiving notes difficult dynamics uncomfortable articulations clumsy cross-fingerings and the like arranged back-to-back in an endurance test to challenge the best players on their best day.What she has in fact created is delightful a charming set of pieces full of character wit colour and yes challenge perfectly suited for student and teacher alike and wonderful recital works to boot.I couldn’t be more pleased to have had some part however small in their roots and am looking forward to calling these pieces and Thea Musgrave - lifelong friends.

'Tricks and Games' comprises a series of short and contrasting pieces in a light yet essentially modern idiom. Parts are intended to be played by two pupils of similar abilities. Including:- Chinese Chequers Draughts Cowboys Indians Rag-Time etc. - each presents a different challenge yet with the emphasis on fun.Grade: 3 - 6