Mr Sheen's Miscellany For Bassoon was written for the Trinity Guildhall Examination Board syllabus. It is aimed principally at students of grades 1 to 5 and intended to combine technical challenges with that most vital musical ingredient: fun.Mr Sheen's Miscellany For Bassoon - Grade 1 contains three pieces for bassoon and piano by Graham Sheen.Polka-dots.There are three contrasting types of expression for the bassoonist here. The opening phrase is staccato which is followed (at bar 11) by a sustained counter melody. Finally (at bar 19) both these effects are combined in a second melody which needs very clear dynamicplaying.Monkey Puzzle.Sustaining the sound while re-articulating the notes is important in this piece. In other words the opening should be played almost slurred. Be aware of the changing harmonies underneath the held notes in the bassoon part.Serious Song.Long but separate notes contrast with real legato. The main theme is marked tenuto so full value for each note especially ending notes. Even the quavers aren't very short at this speed. Try to make the richest sound you can like for example a fine Russian baritone.

for Bassoon and Piano-Gabriel Grovlez (1879-1944) studied under Gabriel Fauré at the Paris Conservatoire. His compositions proved to be extremely versatile from Operas and Ballets to solo works. Grovlez's Sicilienne Et Allegro Giocoso is a sublime addition to the Bassoon repertoire. Much of the composer's works show neo-classical features which is also the case inSicilienne Et Allegro Giocoso where the texture is predominantly melody dominated homophony cadences are frequently heard and modulations to related keys occur despite tonality being interestingly exploited.Grovlez's C minor Sicilienne is unusual in style as it is composed in common time yet the triplets and sextuplets in the Bassoon part provide the 'tarantella feel' required of the musical genre. This is superbly contrasted by the quirky Allegro Giocoso (fast and cheerful) composed in the relative major. All these features make for an enjoyable and delightful performance!