Fantasy Variations
by David Campo
Clarinet, Bassoon, and Piano
2012 – 6'
$26.85
Fantasy Variations was commissioned by Dr. Robert Jordan, whose celebrated career as a bassoonist with the United States Air Force Bands spanned twenty years. Prior to his service, Robert studied bassoon at Louisiana State University where we became friends. When Robert commissioned this piece, he asked that it reflect our time together at L.S.U. and suggested using “Tiger Rag” as a jumping off point. The challenge was setting that familiar tune in a way that disguised its memorable melody and harmony, while reflecting Robert’s rich personality and his love of L.S.U. What I concocted was a theme and variations that utilizes melodic and rhythmic elements of “Tiger Rag” but in a setting whose harmonic language ranges far afield from the familiar tonal and tertian presentation of the original song. I also believe it reflects Robert; it’s funny, smart, at times introverted and at other times the opposite, in turns serious and light hearted, but always a little unexpected and a hell of a lot of fun!
Available as a 9x12 set with score and parts, as well as digital download.
