Campaign (2025)

Bassoon and Piano

Duration

ca.10:00

Movements

I: Song, II: Journey, III: Roll, IV: Fight!

$30

Program Notes

Video

Score Preview

While I was at Georgia State University studying for my undergraduate degree in Music Composition, I got introduced to the medieval fantasy role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons. At first I thought this game was only for the biggest of nerds and I could never find myself playing it. I then realized that I am, in fact, a nerd and found myself to really enjoy playing this game with a few of my closest friends in the school of music. One of these friends asked me to write a new piece for his bassoon recital. It was clear to me that this was the perfect concept for a fun new work for Bassoon (also my main instrument).

This work is titled “Campaign,” since it refers to, in Dungeons and Dragons, as a series of adventures presented by the Dungeon Master. Characters are placed in a world and meant5 to overcome challenges and develop over time. Song is based on medieval Gregorian chant, alluding to the game’s basis in medieval fantasy. Journey, is about adventure and inevitable shenanigans and unpredictability. Roll, is mystical and mysterious to convey the fate-defining power of rolling dice, the game’s main mechanic. Fight!, is a thrilling closer inspired by boss battle music to show with any campaign, comes the chance of fighting with your life on the line.