Commissioned by the Foundation for New American Music, "Piece for Jazz Bassoon and Orchestra" was written for and first performed on January 13, 1981, by bassoonist Ray Pizzi (see P. 15, The Double Reed, October 1980. Ed.). The composer? Famed film score giant Henry Mancini (The Glenn Miller Story, Peter Gunn, and Mr. Lucky TV series, The Great Race, the Pink Panther films and many others).
Ray has been kind in sending us press reactions to this new work from which we have taken the following sampling:
"A concerto for jazz bassoon and 84-piece Orchestra as the musical highlight of a concert? Surely we jest.
We do not. At the Chandler Pavilion Tuesday evening, Henry Mancini's "Piece for Jazz Bassoon and Orchestra" turned out to display much more than the comedic aspects sometimes displayed by the instrument.
Certainly Ray Pizzi for whom it was written, is aware of the horn's humorous potential, employing it at strategic points. But elsewhere he revealed he is perhaps the first serious master in a small field." (Leonard Feather - Los Angeles Times January 16, 1981).
"Mancini's" Piece for Jazz Bassoon and Orchestra was clearly the hit of the evening-
"Featuring jazz bassoonist Ray Pizzi, "Piece" provided an amicable vehicle for the instrument known more for its humor than its existence as a solo instrument. Mancini's writing and conducting and Pizzi's spirited playing allowed both the humor and the seriousness of the instruments to surface. Never again will the bassoon be thought of in the same way. "Piece" swung from its chimed beginning to its brassy ending with the help of bassist Ray Brown and drummer Larry Bunker, each of whom soloed magnificently in the lush jazz setting." (Mames Liska. Los Angeles Dally News)
"Henry Mancini's Foundation - commissioned "Piece . . ." closed the evening in spirited fashion, thanks in equal measure to Mancini's composition itself and the hilariously hip executions of bassoonist Ray Pizzi and bassist Ray Brown, who dug into their assigned parts with inspired musical punning and delivery." (Kirk. Variety Reviews)