Variations on a Theme by Paganini for Bassoon and Piano

A Variations based on Paganini's famous (or infamous) theme. I wrote this for my friend who plays the Bassoon (obviously) and me on the piano. But the piano part is rather hard and I don't feel like practicing it and so I think I'm getting another pianist to do it.The theme is obviously Paganini's and I tried to change the harmonies that accompanies it. Out of the Variations, my favourite ones are Variations 6 till the end.Any feedbacks would be appreciated!Thanks in advance ^_^

Variations on a Theme by Paganini for Bassoon and Piano

Eeeep! :( This is something else. I have to honestly say I was not impressed at all. It seemed to be just a mish-mash of random cords and notes pushed together with accidentals and trills. I would definitely look this over, Paganini would expect more out of this.

I think the midi file here really takes away from the overall effect of the variations you have here - and makes it difficult to discern your piece well. My favorite variations are the last 4. I felt those you truly evolved the overall thematic idea and brought it out of the nineteenth century quite well. Kudos.

Cool!

I admit when I read this was based on Paganini's annoying theme I kind of only looked cuz of morbid curiosity... But then of course it turns out this was a lot more interesting than I expected.

I definitely found the last variation the best of the bunch, though the others weren't really bad and I like how it's playing with the expectations and throwing a wrench into them. Sounds like my kind of thing really. The last variation is very demanding on the pianist, but it's overall very cool. The score looks good and honestly I would've rather just made an entire piece with that 6th variation, Paganini be damned (it has practically nothing to do with him at that point.)

But I like how the actual theme has already those chords in a arrhythmia, very nice. I also like how you're using the flutter tongue on the bassoon, it's challenging to get that technique right, specially the way you wrote it but it's all doable.

Overall, the 6th variation is awesome and the rest aren't so bad. Again, cool.

I really like the descriptiveness that you include in your score. The score is also very neat visually but what is up with the huge breath marks? I really enjoyed most of the variations and totally disagree with the negative earlier comment. I think it is quite well written throughout and like that you explored with a lot of techniques, becoming more and more modern and more in your own style. The sixth is really great.

I agree that discriptiveness in the score is very good idea. Talk to the musicians rather than just using a random Italian term you feel you should use. This varies things well. It is a bit nuts But I like that. It is in your face. I would love to hear a live version. Real bassoons are wonderful of course. Some lovely chords in the slower parts. I get a hint of rachmaninov's take on the same variations at these parts too.

I think these are actually really neat ideas here! :o

I'm not impressed with people just putting random chords and marketing it as "art" or what-not, but this constantly felt like it had an actual (admittedly crazy) story to tell, and I really like the end result. The interesting use of rhythm coupled with "out-there", but not foul, chords, really makes a great atmosphere, and it hooked me.

Thanks for sharing! :D

Thanks for the comments, guys!

With the chords, well, a lot of the time I was dealing with octatonic scale derived chords. Especially Var. 6 because I composed that as an assignment for my theory course (on a composition based on octatonic scale, of course).

You're right, variation 5 is supposed to be rather Rachmaninoff-influenced, but I think that is a rather fail one - it ends up sounding like some cheesy pop music. And I also feel like deleting the huge breath marks!

Variation 8 is actually added because my friend (who's a bassoonist who's gonna play this eventually) wanted something where he can use flutter tongue and fake trills.

Overall, I think this is one of my stronger compositions. It's got more rhythmic intensity and variations and the harmonic language is also more harsh than my usual easy-listening music.

Well, I'm looking forward to have this recorded! =D Thanks again for the comments, guys.

I love paganini! nice tomato

Beutiful ! ! I prefer the 3rd Variation...

sounded a lot like symanovsky's variations. I agree on the 6th, its one of the best