Croquis - BSN/PN

Croquis
for bassoon and piano
by Roger Boutry (b. 1932) - French composer

The six Croquis (Sketches), dedicated to Laura Bennett Cameron, were conceived as a musical antithesis to the three Paris Conservatoire National Superieur concours pieces, successively written in 1972, 1980, and 1982: Interferences I, Timbres, and Prismes. Deliberately concise and brief, the concept for each sketch centers around musical language that is often atonal, yet concertedly harmonious. The dialogue between the bassoon and piano is constant. Although this is a new work, Boutry wistfully evokes the specter of the past. The nostalgic spirit of "yesteryear" from the first movement lingers throughout the work. The same reflection on "yesteryear" is also found in Boutry's work, Simple Lullaby for flute and piano (2015). Roger Boutry also wrote five Croquis for soprano saxophone (or flute or oboe) and piano in 2010, and seven Croquis for violin and piano in 2009. 

To listen to a Youtube recording of the first movement as performed by Laura Bennett Cameron, please click HERE.