Jazz Suite for Bassoon - Ken Cooper

#bassoon #piano #stringbass #drums #jazz #jazzbassoon #cooper Jake Jauregui Garcia's Undergraduate Senior Recital Recorded by the ‪@OUmusic‬ Morris R. Pitman Recital Hall Live-Stream ‪@ouschoolofmusic-pitmanreci9490‬ Performed at The University of Oklahoma, in the Morris R. Pitman Recital Hall, Catlett Music Center, School of Music on April 11, 2026 at 2 PM. Jake Jauregui Garcia, bassoon Taylor Edmonson, jazz piano Cullen Smith, string bass Austin Petty, drums 0:00 I. Energetic 4:15 II. Moderate Jazz Waltz 6:30 III. Slowly with Expression 10:00 IV. Animated 11:33 V. With Spirit Program Notes: Jazz Suite for Bassoon, Ken Cooper (1931-2017) American composer and educator Ken Cooper (1931 - 2017) wrote a number of works for wind instruments that combine elements of classical concert music with jazz idioms. His Jazz Suite for Bassoon reflects this stylistic blend, placing the traditionally orchestral instrument in a setting more commonly associated with a jazz ensemble. The work is scored for bassoon with piano, string bass, and drum set, creating a rhythm section that supports the soloist in a manner similar to a small jazz combo. The suite is organized in five contrasting movements: “Energetic,” “Moderate Jazz Waltz,” “Slowly with Expression,” “Animated,” and “With Spirit.” Each movement explores a different character while incorporating rhythmic patterns and harmonic language drawn from jazz styles. The bassoon alternates between lyrical melodic writing and more rhythmically driven passages, often interacting with the rhythm section in a way that suggests improvisatory dialogue. Although the bassoon is most often associated with orchestral and chamber repertoire, Cooper’s suite demonstrates the instrument’s flexibility and expressive range in a jazz-influenced context. By combining classical technique with elements of jazz rhythm and groove, the work expands the traditional role of the bassoon and highlights its potential as both a lyrical solo voice and a dynamic participant in a rhythmically vibrant ensemble. TrevCo Notes About The Composer: Kenneth Dale Cooper was Born July 30, 1931 in E. St. Louis, Illinois to William and Mayme Cooper. Ken’s musical training started with piano lessons at age four and continued through his B.S. in Music Education and M.S. in composition degrees at Pittsburg State University in Kansas. His music education career spanned 35 years—23 years in public schools (Kansas, Wyoming, and Arizona) and 12 years at Graceland College (Iowa). His college level-teaching experience included music theory and education courses as well as conducting the orchestra, jazz band, concert band, and various touring ensembles. In addition to writing and arranging music, Ken spent many years as a church organist and choir director. His performance activities included classical music and playing in many jazz groups. He has more than 150 published compositions for instrumental and choral ensembles. Ken’s commissioned composition, “A Star,” had its premiere performance in December 2000 by the Kansas City Symphony. He held the office of Elder in the Community of Christ church and enjoyed playing for church services. Ken faithfully read the comics each morning and completed the Word Jumble puzzle. Known for his dry sense of humor, puns easily slid off his tongue. Ken died June 18, 2017 at age 85 in Papillion, Nebraska after struggling 12 years with Parkinson’s Disease. His ashes were placed in Graceland Park Cemetery in Omaha, Nebraska. A tree was planted in his honor by the Arbor Society in the Chippewa National Forest (Minnesota) and a bench dedicated in his honor at Graceland University (Iowa).