Written for solo oboe, "On Five" is a piece in free time that circles around different ideas of five notes. It has a questioning quality, a series of questions that are never answered, but they are still there, in the background, making us as listeners ponder and even wonder what is being asked and whether the answer is something we want to know.
Written during May 2007, this piece, "Four Atmospheres of Edgar Allan Poe" for solo bassoon is a musical interpretation of four poems by Edgar Allan Poe. Poe's poetry is highly suggestive, and can have many meanings implied by the use of a single word. It was my intention to try to capture this essence of imagery and suggestion within the very framework of the music; the lone voice of a solo bassoon imparting a human quality to this most evocative of poetry.
© Jonathan Ellson 2023
YouTube Performance: Kevin Eberle (Movement 1)
On Five (2001, Rev. 2022) c.6'
Oboe
Oboe
Perusal Score and Recording
)
Four Atmospheres of Edgar Allan Poe
(2007, Rev. 2022) c.7' Bassoon
(2007, Rev. 2022) c.7' Bassoon
Perusal Score and Recording
)
Jonathan Ellson
Teacher - Musical Director - Composer