Jakob Fliedl

Serenade

The duet for bassoon and double bass is only loosely based on the classical form of a serenade. Rather, it is conceived as a scenic, abstract interpretation, which is also reflected in the choice of title, which was deliberately placed in quotation marks.
The idea for this work arose from the thought of two whimsical figures entering a stage to perform a serenade. The individual movements of the piece are not connected by a stringent story arc, but rather unfold a series of atmospheric and abstract associations.

I. Introduction: The characters enter the stage and prepare for their performance.
II. Ritornello: The serenade begins.
III. Interlude: The darkness of the night becomes palpable - with its menace and the uncertainty of what lies hidden in it.
IV. Lullaby: The challenge of rocking a child to sleep is reflected musically.
V. Cadenza: A burgeoning tension between the two characters takes shape.
VI. Finale: Finally, a discussion - or even an argument - breaks out.

The idea of writing a duet for bassoon and double bass came to me when I was looking for suitable duets for this instrumentation together with my friend and colleague Wolfgang Güntner. I received a decisive impulse when Nabil Shehata commissioned me to compose a piece for his festival "Maiklänge" in Verden in 2023 - for him and the bassoonist Gilbert Audin. This occasion motivated me to bundle my thoughts and ideas and finally express them in this composition. The premiere took place on May 14, 2023.