Black (score & parts) - 4BSN

Black
for bassoon quartet
by Marc Mellits (b. 1966) - American composer

“Black” was originally composed in 2008 for two amplified Bass Clarinets, and was written for the virtuoso duo, “Sqwonk.” The two musicians weave tightly woven patterns together, creating a fabric of music that has complete integration. In this “integrated” world, the musicians are equals and complete each other’s every move. As the musical patterns develop, they also move and change, allowing factions to spin off and push the momentum forward. In creating a version of “Black” for Quartet, I wanted to expand the sonic capabilities of the work, make it almost three-dimensional. I choose to not always follow the music literally, but to change some of the parts and even add notes to make it more idiomatic for a Quartet. In the end, I hoped to create five minutes of rapid firing notes combining and merging into one, black (w)hole. Black is also one of the most performed low instrument duos worldwide.

The piece may be amplified, and reverb can be added as well. This one-movement work is approximately 5 minutes in length.

We also carry the version for two bassoons: HERE