Sonatina d'Amore for Two Contrabassoons  

Sonatina d’Amore was commissioned by Susan Nigro and Burl Lane (The Two Contras) for their Crystal CD of contra duets, and I gave the piece an Italian title in Sue’s honor.  There’s a play on words since some low instruments have d’amore in their names, like Oboe d’Amore (though I haven’t ever seen a Fagotto d’Amore).  

My love for the sound quality of the contrabassoon is also a big part of this Amore, especially with the rich resonant sound of Burl and Sue playing at the same time.  Another reason for Amore is the relationship between the instruments — often like an operatic love duet with flirtatious counterpoint and resolved parallel thirds.  

AUDIO EXCERPTS from the Crystal CD:
      from Mvt. 1
      from Mvt. 2
      from Mvt. 3