Concert Band - Level 4 - Digital Download
SKU: A0.1287477
Composed by Henry Mancini. Arranged by John Ivor Holland. 20th Century,Blues,Contemporary,Contest,Festival,Jazz. Score and Parts. 140 pages. John Ivor Holland #878499. Published by John Ivor Holland (A0.1287477).
Henry Mancini wrote this unusual ‘jazz bassoon concerto’ in 1980 for Hollywood session musician Ray Pizzi (the so-called ‘godfather’ of modern jazz bassoon); he can be heard on the original ‘Star Wars’ (1977) soundtrack, also on ‘Predator 2’ (as the voice of the beast). This whirlwind piece takes us through the whole range of the instrument, starting with skittish jumping octaves, a free improvisation (book-ended by ‘shouts’ from the band), a very sultry slow section (featuring Mancini’s trademark chromatic harmony) a magnificent and dramatic final chorus, closing with an extended cadenza to further show off the instrument in this unusual disguise. This arrangement calls for a small beat quartet of keys, Fender bass and drums to accompany the solo bassoon; a suggested solo has been provided for the first section, but the final cadenza has been left blank for complete artistic creation. For further information about this, please contact the arranger, who can make suggestions, as necessary (johnivorholland@gmail.com). Created in memory of Ray Pizzi (1943-2021).