Performance Directions

Expression is important and should be exaggerated. Performers should feel free to ad-lib if desired.

Bar 34 is unmeasured. The time signature has been included for notational purposes only.

Precise Instrumentation

Bass Violin

Cello

Dedication

For my mother Maren Rawlings who said she wants this piece to be played at her funeral (she did her PhD on Humour).

Program Note

When writing this piece, I was interested in exploring the different techniques I could use to convey humour, joy and silly fun. The techniques I used include: a moderately fast tempo, tonal harmony and thematic material, exaggerated expression, frequent changes in dynamics, tempo and metric pulse, staccato and pizzicato passages, and lots of ornamentation using slow and fast glissandos, harmonics, grace notes, trills and variation in vibrato. The piece is largely comprised of several different variations on similar motives or themes.

The piece was originally titled “Omoshiroi” and written for cello duo 2010. Omoshiroi or おもしろい, is a Japanese title which can mean interesting, funny and fun.

Performance and Commission Information

Humorous for bass violin and cello was first performed by The Linus Ensemble: Marianne Rothschild (bass violin) and Karina Di Sisto (cello), 18th August 2018 at St Linus Anglican Church, Coburg North, Victoria.

The original version of the piece, titled Omoshiroi, was written for and first performed by Alister Baker and Chien-Hsju Ong live on 3MBS FM (community radio station, Victoria, Australia), 9th November 2010.