for 2 instruments of similar timbre
This piece was originally intended to be a concerto for two unaccompanied trumpets. The score that is posted is the version for the trumpets, though it would be suitable for most brass players. Other editions of this piece exist for bassoon, clarinet, and flute, so ultimately anyone can play it with anyone else. This transformation occurred while I was attempting to get part of the piece performed during the first year of my masters, and I was unable to find any trumpet players who were willing to prepare it to an acceptable level in the time allowed. While relaying this story to a friend of mine, Joseph Kluesener (a very talented bassoonist), he took a glance at the first two movements and said, “I can play that,” and quickly followed it up with, “and Mary can play the other part.” Mary Stuckmeyer was another bassoonist whom we happened to be in a class with. Thus the Concerto for Two Unaccompanied Instruments began to form, and with a suggestion by a colleague of mine, Eric Schultz, it was so.
commissioned by Melanie Garrett
cover art by Kelsey Birdseye