COMPOSER : Alexandra Lehmann
Furthermore, I wanted to offer an experience of travelling in Europe through music.
There is a wealth of historical, and traditional European monophonic music.
Hence, the Tour is based around the 14th-15th centuries when
Bassoon encounters different musical cultures.
The Tour is dedicated to my father, mother, brother, and sister;
Jean-Pierre, Françoise, Fabrice, and Mahaut Lehmann;
with whom I was fortunate to travel in my youth.
CONTENTS
1. Ostentatious Overture
Bassoon is at the French palace of Versailles with all its
pomp, splendour, and magnificence.
2. Mystical Minnesänger
Bassoon has travelled to the Holy Roman Empire, where he is
performing an ode to a Germanic Knight.
3. Andalusian Nights
The Caliphate of Cordobá was a mixing-pot of Islamic
and Judaic music. What is fascinating is that many of the ideas around
performance; modes at certain times of the day, improvisation into metred,
faster sections; go back to the Indian subcontinent and even further
back into Ancient Greece. Bassoon is chanting for the
Caliphate on a warm summer’s evening.
4. Tarantella of the Tagliatelle
I don’t know if the Medici family ate tagliatelle,
but if they did, this joyful and lively tarantella is what Bassoon would have played.
5. Terrifying Tropak
A complete change of mood. Bassoon is playing for a swashbuckling
performance of Ukrainian Cossacks, with leaps, stamps, and twirls.
6. Sami Herding Song
In the Arctic Norwegian north, Bassoon is with the Sami calling their
herd of reindeers with vocalisations that echo in the icy distance.
7. Highland Fling
Bassoon is in Scotland taking part in the Highland Games.
Female dancers perform athletic jumps.
8. Royal Festive Fanfare
Bassoon finishes his European Tour at Windsor Castle, England.
Like the natural trumpet (played at the time), the lower range is based on the first notes of the harmonic scale and announce the entry of the royal family.
This is followed by a melodic flourish in the higher register.
