''Dead Elvis'', also known as ''Develvis for Solo Bassoon and Chamber Ensemble'' (1993) by American composer

Michael Daugherty Michael Kevin Daugherty (born April 28, 1954) is an American composer, pianist, and teacher. He is influenced by popular culture, Romanticism, and Postmodernism. Daugherty's notable works include his Superman comic book-inspired ''Metropolis Sym ...

, is a 10-minute, single-movement work inspired by the King of

Rock-n-Roll Rock and roll (often written as rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, or rock 'n roll) is a genre of popular music that evolved in the United States during the late 1940s and early 1950s. It originated from African-American music such as jazz, rhythm an ...

Elvis Presley Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977), or simply Elvis, was an American singer and actor. Dubbed the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as Cultural impact of Elvis Presley, one ...

. ''Dead Elvis'' was commissioned by bassoonist Charles (Chuck) Ullery and The Grand Tetons Festival, and Richard Pittman/

Boston Musica Viva Boston Musica Viva is a Boston, Massachusetts-based music ensemble founded by its Music Director, Richard Pittman, in 1969 and dedicated to contemporary music. Composers and compositions In its 44-year history, Boston Musica Viva has performed m ...

. The Chamber Ensemble instrumentation calls for solo bassoon, E flat clarinet, trumpet, bass trombone, violin, contrabass, and percussion. The premiere was performed by The Grand Tetons Chamber Players, Michael Daugherty conducting and Charles Ullery as soloist, in July 1993. The piece also suggests that the bassoon soloist dress as the King.

Discography

1. American Icons - Michael Daugherty: Dead Elvis/Flamingo/Jackie's Song/Le Tombeau de Liberace/Motown Metal/Snap!/What's That Spell? London Sinfonietta, David Zinman, Conductor; London Sinfonietta, Markus Stenz, Paul Crossley, piano; Dogs of Desire, David Alan Miller; London Sinfonietta, Michael Daugherty, Christopher van Kampen, cello. London/Decca Argo 458-145-2. 2. Absolute Mix - Michael Daugherty: Dead Elvis/Sing Sing: J. Edgar Hoover. Absolute Ensemble, Kristjan Jarvi.

External links

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University of Michigan: ''Dead Elvis''
{{Michael Daugherty Concertos by Michael Daugherty 1993 compositions Bassoon concertos Musical tributes to Elvis Presley