Composer Michael Daugherty Channels Elvis Presley

Among Michael Daugherty's works: "Dead Elvis" and "Elvis Everywhere"(Photo: Michael Daugherty)

2:48PM

August 6, 2009

by Ervine Beverley

Classical 101 Music Director.

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Among Michael Daugherty's works: "Dead Elvis" and "Elvis Everywhere"(Photo: Michael Daugherty)

I came across a media story regarding Elvis Week, which gets underway this Saturday, August 8th, in Memphis.

We happen to have two recordings in our library of a work by composer Michael Daugherty called “Dead Elvis.” Being trained as a bassoonist, I was drawn to the work like a candlefly to the light, for it features the bassoonist dressed as Elvis.

Yes, it’s true! I witnessed it several years ago when The Absolute Ensemble performed it, and their bassoonist had a grand time running around and posturing while playing from memory.

I found a performance of the work so you can get a sense of what Elvis would look like playing the bassoon. In the right setting, it’s a lot of fun to watch.