Four Pieces

Four Pieces (Stücke for Cello and Bassoon was written in 1941 and presented as a musical gift to the eminent Austrian musicologist émigré Dr. Karl Geringer in the same year. The four pieces are different, and just that one thing makes them of keen interest. Each of the four pieces is in a unique style. They speak a different musical language, or rather, musical dialect. Austere, with no dynamics or expression markings they carry the composer’s trademark sound with many perfect fourths and fifths, not just in the harmony but also the melodic line. The Four Pieces, only little more than 4 ½ minutes in length are perfect for a good sight reading challenge (which should be part of every lesson), just difficult enough to keep the student on the edge of his/her seat. They can be performed by intermediate level players, however, there are some f-attachment notes in both parts which can be played in the upper octave if needed. I have purposely left out the optional octaves just to keep the parts uncluttered. )