Professional Documents
Culture Documents
When passionate musicians collaborate, people can often be treated to wonderful compositions and
thrilling performances. Such was the case when music student Aaron Unash presented his senior bassoon
recital on Feb. 17 in Davis Hall at Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. Accompanied by faculty artist
Robin Guy on piano, the brief performance consisted of three pieces. The event was free and open to the
public.
The first piece performed was Antonio Vivaldi’s “Bassoon Concerto in E minor, RV 484.” The piece
is cast into three movements. The first movement opens with the piano busy, fast-paced theme, after which the
bassoon presents its version of it. The second movement slows the pace down and brings the tone to a more
somber feel before introducing the third movement, which is as lively and busy as the first movement.
The second piece was José Siqueira’s “Three Etudes for Bassoon and Piano.” Like the first piece, this
one was also cast into three movements. The first movement fluctuated in tonality, starting with a slower, more
somber tone with many whole notes and shifting to a smooth, upbeat tone with many quarter and eighth notes
towards the end. The second movement maintains a dark, drab tonality, despite the pitch ranging from high to
low. The third movement is a complete contrast to the previous, with a much faster pace and upbeat tone, using
The third piece performed removed the piano entirely and was strictly bassoon. Composed by William
Davis, the piece “Serenade for Solo Bassoon” is one long solo not broken up into movements. The pace is very
frenetic at first, but once it gets closer to the end, the pace begins to vary. The tonality and pitch constantly
fluctuate throughout the 11 minute solo. This was more of a showcase of Unash’s bassoon expertise than the
Unash grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He plans to graduate this spring with a degree in general
studies in music. He began playing bassoon in 6th grade at Harding Middle School.
At Kennedy High School, he was involved in many musical groups; he was in the drumline and
frontline in marching band and played piano in jazz band and show choir. He was involved in the All-State
Music Festival his junior and senior years, playing in the band and orchestra.
After graduation, Unash attended Kirkwood Community College for two years. He was involved in
small chamber groups, concert band, jazz band and a steel drum ensemble. At UNI, Unash has been involved
in Panther Marching Band, West African Drum Ensemble, Taiko Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble
and NISO. Unash is also a member of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity and volunteers with the
Tallcorn Jazz Festival, helping out at their grilled cheese food cart.
Unash hopes to learn instrument repair after his time at UNI. He plans to attend Minnesota State