Recalcitrant Hero - BSN/PN (PDF)

Recalcitrant: “Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline”

This work is based on the familiar tale of the phoenix and rebirth. In this story the bassoonist represents our recalcitrant hero, while the pianist represents both the hero's support and opposition. Our scene starts in the middle of a turbulent battle against an authoritarian oppressive force, with the odds pinned against our hero. The beginning section highlights points of dissonance and chaos to cement feelings of instability and wavering tenacity. Following is our section of rebirth. Influenced by works such as Verdi’s Requiem, this is a moment of reflection. The chaos is gone and the hero is left alone, forced to reflect in solitude. Out of this reflection comes hope and a re statement of their personal values. The hero then returns to the fight with a new found sense of resolution. The music returns to parts of the musical material from the introduction, themes are expanded and take on new meaning. The underlying pulse gets more energetic, propelling you to a triumphant ending that has a true sense that the fight is over. 

ABOUT THE COMPOSER:

James B. Scott (They/them) is a performer, collaborator, teacher, and composer involved in many facets of the music world. James is an active performer in the Northern Colorado region and beyond and is a founding member of The Matchsticks Bassoon Quartet. One of their biggest goals as a performer is to help bring the music of traditionally underrepresented groups to the forefront and give their talents the recognition they deserve. Especially those who are non-binary or neurodivergent, as they can best speak to those experiences. 

James has been composing for most of their musical journey, composing some of their earliest works in 2013. Early on, their music was inspired by Japanese video game music and traditional Hawaiian songs as their musical journey began as a military transplant living on the island of Oahu. Today you can still find these influences present in their music in their use of modes and musical forms. 

James holds a Bachelors of Bassoon performance from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Master's of Bassoon performance from Colorado State University.  For more info visit jamesscottbassoon.com.