Concerto Mamba-Mambo, for bassoon and strings
National Composition Prize of Costa Rica 2024 “Carlos Enrique Vargas”
The black mamba, one of the most venomous snakes on the African continent, inspires the first movement of this concerto. This beginning represents the awakening of the snake, with delicate and sensual movements. As it progresses, it turns into a dance that transforms into an intense battle between the snake and its prey, culminating in a hypnotic ending marked by a waltz of death. On the other hand, the “Mambo” emerges as a genre that reflects African influence in America, being one of the most recognized Latin rhythms. In this movement, after the confrontation with the Mamba, we find ourselves at a vibrant party full of color and dance, where a final flash briefly evokes the struggle with the snake, but concluding in a festive celebration.
This piece was finished and premiered by the composer con October 9th, 2024, in San José, Costa Rica.
In Transit, for viola and bassoon
In transit, we find ourselves suspended between destinations, our journey is proof of the fluidity of life. It is a state in which the present opens, full of fleeting encounters, changing landscapes and infinite possibilities. Expanding physical distances or exploring the complexities of thought invites reflection, growth, and the opportunity to embrace the beauty of the unknown. When we find ourselves in moments of transition, we discover the richness of the journey itself, where each step forward holds the promise of new beginnings and unforeseen horizons.
This piece was finished in 2024, and was premiered at the IDRS 2024 Conference on July 23rd, 2024.
Abyss, for solo oboe
Abyss is inspired by the verses that the Argentine poetess Alejandra Pizarnik (1936-1972) left written in her room before her lifeless body was found in her home. The verses she left, before making her tragic decision, were:
I don't want to go
anywhere
but to the bottom
In this work, the oboe stands as the protagonist of the internal struggle, symbolizing the abyss that resided within the author as she expressed her thoughts. The penetrating sound of the oboe evokes cries of desperation, while moments of doubt and melancholy are accentuated by the instrument's ability to produce both sweet and dark notes.
The piece intertwines the motif of screams and anguish with moments of meditation, as well as frantic, almost hysterical moments, creating an allegory of the various mental states that arise when we confront the inner abyss of our soul.
This piece was finished in 2024.
Romance, for viola and piano
A short lyrical piece for viola and piano. This piece was written for violist Orquídea Guandique in
2023, and the premier was in March 23rd, 2023, at the Theater of Arts, University of Costa Rica
Los Duendes, for electric bassoon and effects
Written in 2022, this piece is based on the folk legend of "Los Duendes" of the Central American region.
This work was premiered at the Sala Cullell of the Music School, University of Costa Rica, on Septembe 29th, 2022.
El Coco, for bassoon and piano
Written in 2022, this piece is based on the folk legend of "El Coco" from Costa Rica.
This work was premiered at the IDRS 51st International Convention in Boulder, Colorado, on July 30 2022.
El Coco is published by Trevco Music Publishing.
Raindrops after the Storm, for solo bassoon
This work was written in 2020, during a workshop for composition for solo bassoon, given by composer Jenni Brandon, with the support of bassoonist Christing Schillinger. The piece has a dedicatory to Christin Schillinger.
Variations on Mille Regretz, for viola quartet
This work was written at the request of Dr. Orquídea Guandique Araniva, viola professor at the University of Costa Rica.
The work is a free fantasy on the theme of Mille Regretz ("A thousand regrets"), by Josquin de Prez.
Three Latin American Dances
Three small dances arranged for viola and bassoon
Alfonsina y el mar (Zamba- Argentina) by Felix Luna & Ariel Ramirez
Luna Liberiana (Bolero-Costa Rica) by Jesus Bonilla
El Velorio (Contradanza-Cuba) by Ignacio Cervantes
Four Concert Etudes, arrangement for two bassoons
The first bassoon plays the original etudes and the second bassoon plays an accompaniment part.
Includes Ludwig Milde's Concert Etudes Op 26 No. 4 (Allegretto), No. 9 (Adagio), No. 25 (Presto), and No. 34 (Polonaise).
Four Concert Etudes, arrangement for bassoon quartet
Equally challenging parts for all four bassoons, the line of the original etude has been split throughout all four parts.
Includes Ludwig Milde's Concert Etudes Op 26 No. 4 (Allegretto), No. 9 (Adagio), No. 25 (Presto), and No. 34 (Polonaise).
