Panther Dance from Dutch Suite (1975)
for Bassoon and Tuba (Euphonium)
By Peter Schickele
(Comments provided by the
composer)
The Panther Dance is but one of four movements from Peter Schickele's (aka
PDQ Bach) "Dutch Suite" for Bassoon and Tuba. Schickele's scores always
include humorous program notes pertaining to the background of PDQ Bach and
the "history" of the works, and the following comments relate to this performance:
"Everything about PDQ Bach's "Dutch" Suite is nether: the country mentioned
in the title, the ranges of the instruments employed (the ranges of instruments
in the 18th century were defined in relation to Middle C; both the bassoon
and tuba, therefore, were thought of as being largely below C level), the
quality of inspiration and craftsmanship, and (probably) the place of composition,
since the composer did most of his writing under the piano..."
We are utilizing a euphonnium today rather than a tuba because, well, Scott
knows how to play the euphonium.