Alliterations (Bassoon and Marimba) Brian Kershner

Alliterations was originally written for Janet Grice, a Doctoral student of mine at the time at Rutgers University, where I was Professor of Bassoon and Theory for sixteen years. She was preparing a recital and wanted a piece for bassoon and marimba and found a limited number of works available.

The piece was composed over winter recession over a period of a month in 2003. The work is based on a 12-tone array and develops musically as a series of character pieces in seven brief movements. It is equally divided in terms of prominent lines between the two instruments, and the work is intensely contrapuntal. Several of the movements recall some people and situations in the composer's life, not unlike Elgar's Enigma Variations.

The title, Alliterations, refers, of course, to the title of each movement, but also is supported by the transpositions chosen as the piece evolves. The work is dedicated to the memory of the great American bassoonist and pedagogue, Stephen Maxym, the composer's teacher, who passed away shortly after its completion. The piece has been featured at a conference of the International Double Reed Society, the composer performing. This recital was comprised of this and other works by the composer for bassoon and various instruments.