Concerto for Bassoon or Bass Clarinet [piano reduction]

Composed in 2005, the Concerto for Bassoon or Bass Clarinet is structured in three movements and exists in two solo versions, both fully integrated within the same orchestral framework.

The first movement opens with a brief orchestral introduction, leading to a highly rhythmic and incisive solo theme, punctuated by chordal responses from the strings. This is followed by a second, more introspective theme — an obstinate motif that gradually builds in intensity. A climax ensues, after which the first theme returns in abbreviated form, now played by the orchestra. A slower second section introduces two new thematic ideas, which are developed in various ways before a brief reprise of the opening section closes the movement.

The second movement is lyrical in character, offering a wide expressive range for the solo instrument, often in dialogue with different soloists from within the orchestra. The writing highlights the timbral richness and flexibility of both the bassoon and bass clarinet.

The third movement is founded on a harmonic framework and a rhythmic ostinato presented by the orchestra at the outset. Over this foundation, the soloist introduces a long, unfolding theme that modulates through several keys. Gradually, the ostinato itself assumes thematic importance, eventually taken up by the soloist in diminution (with halved rhythmic values). This section evolves into a quasi-Concerto Grosso, as other soloists join in an increasingly virtuosic interplay. The original theme returns in the solo line, while the orchestra resumes the diminishing ostinato. A purely orchestral interlude — also derived from the main theme — leads into a highly virtuosic cadenza, after which the movement concludes with a brilliant restatement of the opening material.

The world premiere of the bassoon version took place on 13 July 2008 in Hamburg, as part of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, performed by Pierre-Olivier Martens (to whom the work is dedicated) and the Sinfonietta Baltica under the direction of Gerd Müller-Lorenz.

The world premiere of the bass clarinet version was given on 20 December 2012 in Gdańsk (Poland), in a concert entirely devoted to the works of Michel Lysight, by the Chamber Orchestra of the Academy of Music of Gdańsk under Sylwia Janiak, with soloist Jean-Marc Fessard.

The Belgian premiere followed on 3 February 2013 in Mons, performed by the Orchestre Royal de Chambre de Wallonie conducted by the composer, with Jean-Marc Fessard as soloist.