bassoon

Pa-Hay-Okee

Clarinetist: Dylan Findley

Bassoonist: Martin Van Klompenberg (note: electronics are soft in video recording)

Pa-Hay-Okee, written for reeded instrument, refers to the site now known as the Florida Everglades. This word, from the Seminole language, translates to “grassy water,” describing the vast marshes filled with sawgrass and other plants. The sawgrass acts as a symbol for the entire natural region. Fields of sawgrass appear beautiful, but as implied in its name, each blade of grass can cut through flesh. In this complex habitat are both the breathtaking reeds, herons, turtles, and even manatees and flamingos as the glades approach the ocean. Yet, alligators and venomous snakes lurk within this formidable domain. My work captures this paradoxical beautiful danger through a mysterious, lyrical, and volatile interaction between the instrumentalist and the live processing of the instrument’s sound. All electronic sound in the piece derive from live input during the performance.

Performances:

February 21, 2022: Martin Van Klompenberg, Worlds Within the One, Annett Recital Hall, University of Wisconsin La-Crosse, La Crosse, WI.

Refreshing the Feeling

Commissioned by TransAmerican Duo (Diana Ramirez and Brian McKee), this work for violin and bassoon blends energy, humor, expressiveness, and virtuosity in a strange fashion.

Interested in performing Refreshing the Feeling?

Perusal Score

Refreshing the Feeling- Score and Parts

Performances:

Terelj

Terelj is a work of three short pieces inspired by Mongolian culture.  Camel's Tear mimics the horsehead fiddle, which serves a central role in Mongolian culture.  Interestingly enough, it is said that camels shed tears in reaction to the instrument's beautiful sound.  Shagai!, meaning ankle bones, evokes the spirit of children playing a marbles-like game played, instead, with sheep ankle bones.  Ger, named for the portable Mongolian home, represents the calm and powerful energy of a united family.  And, central to their proud nomadic heritage, the piece cherishes the openness of their countryside.

Interested in performing Terelj?

Contact me for more information.

Performances:

Oh, That Light!

This piece explores density, both instrumentally and rhythmically. The piece was written for the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival and read by the Imani Winds.

Interested in performing Oh, That Light!?

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Performances: