Farewell
for bassoon and string quartet, by Anthony Ritchie, Opus 219 (2023)
Listen to performance from RNZ
Farewell was composed for the Martinborough Music Festival, September 24th 2023. The first performance was by Todd Gibson-Cornish (bassoon), Donald Armstrong (violin), Wilma Smith (violin), Amanda Verner (viola) and Matthias Balzat (cello) and a recording is now available from RNZ.
The work is in a single movement in three main sections, forming a simple ABA structure. It is lyrical in character and opens with a simple lullaby-like theme on bassoon which is varied amongst the group. The cello then plays a more passionate melody which provides a contrast, before the music subsides back into the opening theme again, where it is decorated with semiquavers.
There is a short transition to the quick middle section which features a repeated 'riff' or chord sequence, subject to numerous variations. The music is edgy and energetic in character, building to a climax where the bassoon has a cadenza-like passage over a repeated B flat on the cello and viola.
The rhythmic feel of the piece changes and the strings play a wistful theme connected to previous ideas. Following variations on this theme, the edgy, energetic music returns and with added propulsion leads to the main climax of the piece. A gradual transition leads back to the opening lullaby, and the music ends quietly and reflectively.
Dedicated to Donald Armstrong.
Duration: 14 minutes approx.
Buy the right to download a single pdf containing the full score and all parts, online, and permission to duplicate or print it as required for one quintet: NZ$29.00
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