​A Golden Keep was written in the Summer of 2023 through collaboration with the incredible bassoonist, Lauren Henning. Together, we created the concept for a work which would present a set of miniatures–each one following a different character that could be found in the keep of a castle. The first miniature introduces “The Monarchs”, boisterously kicking off an evening of festivities, and becoming progressively drunk on wine or power, or maybe both. Next, “The Jester” provides a comical satire of the chaotic situation, wowing a captive audience with daring acrobatics. “The Sorcerer” introduces a more devious character, casting spells of illusion to entice outsiders with prestige, bathing the keep in a wash of glittering gold. “The Princess” follows a character that feels rather trapped by it all, singing a song of longing and ambition. The work ends on a hopeful note with the introduction of “The Fairy Godmother” to help transform those longing wishes into reality.

The performer you're hearing is:
Lauren Henning - Bassoon

Thank you for listening!

A Golden Keep

All Works

Samhain (pronounced "sow-win") refers to the Celtic festival which preceded the Halloween we know and love today. This track was a little music I put together to help celebrate the season.

All instrument playing, recording, and mixing were done by myself. I hope you enjoy! Happy Halloween!

Samhain Winds - Halloween Music

I cavalieri was written in the summer of 2021 for the Italian cello quartet, Quartetto Zuena. The music features a rhythmic ricochet technique that mimics the sound of a horse galloping–creating the imagery of a group of fearless riders traveling from one adventure to the next. The title translates to, “the riders” or “the knights”.

The performer you are hearing in this recording is:
me (Sean Penzo)

Thank you for listening!

I cavalieri

A Golden Keep was written in the Summer of 2023 through collaboration with the incredible bassoonist, Lauren Henning. Together, we created the concept for a work which would present a set of miniatures–each one following a different character that could be found in the keep of a castle. This first miniature introduces “The Monarchs”, boisterously kicking off an evening of festivities, and becoming progressively drunk on wine or power, or maybe both.

The performer you're hearing is:
Lauren Henning - Bassoon

Thank you for listening!

A Golden Keep - I. The Monarchs

A Golden Keep was written in the Summer of 2023 through collaboration with the incredible bassoonist, Lauren Henning. Together, we created the concept for a work which would present a set of miniatures–each one following a different character that could be found in the keep of a castle. This second miniature introduces “The Jester”, providing a comical satire of the chaotic situation, wowing a captive audience with daring acrobatics. 

The performer you're hearing is:
Lauren Henning - Bassoon

Thank you for listening!

A Golden Keep - II. The Jester

A Golden Keep was written in the Summer of 2023 through collaboration with the incredible bassoonist, Lauren Henning. Together, we created the concept for a work which would present a set of miniatures–each one following a different character that could be found in the keep of a castle. This third miniature introduces "The Sorcerer", a more devious character, casting spells of illusion to entice outsiders with prestige, bathing the keep in a wash of glittering gold. Much of the thematic material for this section is derived from Paul Dukas's The Sorcerer's Apprentice.

The performer you're hearing is:
Lauren Henning - Bassoon

Thank you for listening!

A Golden Keep - III. The Sorcerer

A Golden Keep was written in the Summer of 2023 through collaboration with the incredible bassoonist, Lauren Henning. Together, we created the concept for a work which would present a set of miniatures–each one following a different character that could be found in the keep of a castle. This fourth miniature introduces, “The Princess”, a character who feels rather trapped by the happenings of the keep, singing a song of longing and ambition. The music presents a lyrical melody which breaks into emotional vocalizations.

The performer you're hearing is:
Lauren Henning - Bassoon

Thank you for listening!

A Golden Keep - IV. The Princess

A Golden Keep was written in the Summer of 2023 through collaboration with the incredible bassoonist, Lauren Henning. Together, we created the concept for a work which would present a set of miniatures–each one following a different character that could be found in the keep of a castle. This fifth and final miniature introduces, “The Fairy Godmother”, who steps in to help out the princess of the previous movement--helping transform longing wishes into reality.

The performer you're hearing is:
Lauren Henning - Bassoon

Thank you for listening!

A Golden Keep - V. The Fairy Godmother

Composer, Cellist, and Writer—Want to collaborate or commission a piece? Message me!

A Golden Keep - I. The Monarchs

Sean Lorenzo Penzo