A Golden Keep - SOLO BSN

A Golden Keep
for unaccompanied bassoon
by Sean Penzo  - American composer and cellist

ABOUT THE MUSIC

A Golden Keep was written in the Summer of 2023 through collaboration with the incredible bassoonist, Lauren Henning. Together, we created the concept for a work which would present a set of miniatures–each one following a different character that could be found in the keep of a castle. The first miniature introduces “The Monarchs”, boisterously kicking off an evening of festivities, and becoming progressively drunk on wine or power, or maybe both. Next, “The Jester” provides a comical satire of the chaotic situation, wowing a captive audience with daring acrobatics. “The Sorcerer” introduces a more devious character, casting spells of illusion to entice outsiders with prestige, bathing the keep in a wash of glittering gold. “The Princess” follows a character that feels rather trapped by it all, singing a song of longing and ambition. The work ends on a hopeful note with the introduction of “The Fairy Godmother” to help transform those longing wishes into reality.

Length: approximately 12 minutes

ABOUT THE COMPOSER

       Born in Genova, Italy, and raised outside of Syracuse, NY, Sean Penzo is a composer, cellist, and writer known for a wide range of collaborations and compositions. He has held board positions in Ethos New Music Society and The Improv. Collective, among others. Penzo has composed for ensembles which have performed his music internationally including Sonic Apricity, UCelli, and Quartetto Zuena. His most recent writing work has involved writing the text to Sierra Wojtczack’s, “Hero’s Awakening”, and the blog, Musician Coop. During his undergrad at SUNY Fredonia, he studied composition with Paul Coleman, Andrew Martin Smith, Rob Deemer, and Jamie Leigh Sampson, and cello with Natasha Farny. After Fredonia, he studied with Keith Fitch and Bryan Dumm in Cleveland, and graduated with a master's in music composition. 

       Penzo values performance just as much as composition. He enjoys working with live bands and playing the role of a studio musician--often recording remotely for clients of all genres. His recent endeavors have involved working with Shane Patterson, Todd Hobin, Isa Bruder, and The Junk Experiment. He regularly performs, records, and premieres works written by other composers.

For more information on the composer, or to purchase a PDF of this piece, please click HERE.