French composer André Jolivet wrote his Concerto for Bassoon, String Orchestra, Harp and Piano in 1953–1954.
Frequent pauses in the bassoon's monologue and dry, harsh punctuation add to the effect of "recitativo", and the final and most vehement statement morphs over a protracted trill and flippant F major resolution into the second half of the movement, Allegro gioviale, which features syncopated rhythms[5] throughout.
[5] The mood is humid, dejected, and desolate, with the bassoon's vocal top-octave lines creating a strained-voice effect of crying or wailing.
[3][5] The plaintive mood from the prior section of the movement focuses and becomes sinister, and a tenebrous interplay of soloist and orchestra ensues, taking on characteristics of a danse macabre.
Although a fairly short concerto, it calls for masterful levels of technique and control, and great variety and depth of character.