Quodlibet Gravis - BSN/PN

ABOUT THE MUSIC:

“Quodlibet Gravis” was written in 2020 in memory of bassoonist, William Winstead, who in recent years was Principal Bassoon of Cincinnatti Symphony, as well as Professor of Bassoon at the Conservatory there. We lost Bill in February of 2020, and the loss affected countless bassoonists who studied with him or worked with him. His presence in the bassoon world was enormous. This work uses many references to works that feature the bassoon, some of which are concertos, and others orchestral pieces. These elements are woven into the fabric of the piece in various ways, such that some are more evident than others. The conclusion of the piece incorporates the “state song” of Kentucky, Bill’s birthplace. On one occasion, when Bill was performing the Mozart bassoon concerto with the orchestra, he was asked for an encore. Having prepared none, Bill improvised some “variaBons” on My Old Kentucky Home. I use it to end this piece, but reworked and supported by elements of the second movement of the fourth symphony of Tchaikovsky. I think, and I hope, that Bill would have appreciated this work in his memory.   - Brian Kershner

ABOUT THE COMPOSER:

Brian Kershner, composer and bassoonist, has written over fifty works for a variety of performance media.  Many of the pieces are published, recorded, and have been played internationally.  His Three Pressings for Clarinet and String Quartet is being recorded for release on a new CD, in 2023, and another recent recording involves his work for Oboe and Alto Saxophone, Dva Gladišta (Two Points of View), currently available for purchase or on most streaming services.. Dr. Kershner has written extensively for bassoon, including his well-known Sonata for Bassoon, and his Bagatelles for Clarinet and Bassoon, both with Dr. Kershner performing on commercially available CD’s. His saxophone quartet Contours, Canons, and Caricatures, is recorded on Vienna Modern Masters, and won a special commendation by the panel of judges.  His song cycle, Leaves of Grass was a finalist in the 2008 Art Song Competition sponsored by the National Association of Teachers of Singing. He is continuing his series of works for bassoon and one other instrument, the first with guitar and subsequent duos combining with Flute, Erhu and Bass Clarinet.  The first three were performed at IDRS conferences. Most recent works include a trio for oboe, bassoon and piano, a new character piece for bassoon and piano, a work for trombone and percussion, and a solo piece for piano.  

Brian Kershner is currently Professor Emeritus at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, CT.  He has previously served on the faculties of Rutgers University, Baylor University and University of North Carolina at Greensboro.