Description
This suite by Ralf Dorrell was written in 2021 and is dedicated to the internationally famous bassoonist Roger Birnstingl as a surprise early 90th birthday present. In a career spanning over 40 years Roger had been principal bassoonist with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, and, until his retirement in 1997, the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande.
Ralf first met Roger when he joined a Wiltshire village fortnightly walking group. On one 5-mile country stroll they got talking and discovered that they lived only five minutes apart and in the same village. The four movements are named after streets in the village and all develop elements of the chord progressions introduced in the first movement.
- The Hollow LISTEN
- The High Street LISTEN
- Petticoat Lane LISTEN
- Clearwood LISTEN
About the composer
Ralf Dorrell (b.1959) is a trombone and bass player, music educator and award-winning composer based in the South West of England. He studied music at Sheffield University and completed his Masters and a PhD in jazz composition at Bath Spa University. His works have been performed at venues such as the Purcell Rooms, London and St Georges, Brandon Hill, Bristol as well as at Cheltenham Jazz Festival and live performances have been recorded and broadcast on BBC Radio 3.
