Lowcountry Rhapsody

Lowcountry Rhapsody

by James M. Stephenson

For chamber sextet: flute, bassoon, and string quartet
Duration: 12′

Program notes – from the composer:

I’m inspired by Sandra Nikolajevs (founder/director/performer – Chamber Music Charleston). She knows how to pull people together and energize them, all in the name of making great music. And — somehow she manages to continue performing herself at a very high level. I’ve been fortunate to have been included in on some her collaborative efforts thus-far: a chamber reduction of my bassoon concerto, as well as the original version of my “there are no words” – a work to remember the nine victims of the Charleston church shooting of 2015.
Therefore, when she reached out to invite me to write a new work to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Chamber Music Charleston – a celebratory event to take place at Carnegie Hall – I was more than happy to agree to the exciting project.

“Lowcountry Rhapsody” is essentially a series of different treatments of one theme. For me, this is a way of musically representing an arts institution: one mission that goes through many permutations throughout the years, all in support that one overriding goal of artistic success.
This theme starts with a nervous (ponticello) violin in the third bar – representing a anxious beginning to any huge dream. The bassoon does get a 2nd theme at letter F (she is in charge after all), but for the main part, the piece travels through moments of tenderness and satisfied recollection, excited giddiness, and then finally all-out joy and low-down bluesy celebration of all that has been accomplished.

Thank you very much, Sandra, for allowing me to be a part of your most worthy event. Congratulations!

Jim Stephenson ~ April 25, 2017