Colored Stones for solo bassoon, by Jenni Brandon was performed by Fernando Zuniga Chanto, at the Universidad de Costa Rica, March 8, 2022, 7:00 p.m. in Cullell Hall. Dr Chanto obtained his academic degrees at the University of Arizona (DMA in bassoon performance), Baylor University (MM in bassoon and piano performance), and at the University of Costa Rica (Bachelor’s and Baccalaureate in bassoon and piano performance). He has served as bassoonist for the University of Costa Rica Symphony Orchestra, Baylor Symphony, Baylor Wind Ensemble, Waco Symphony Orchestra, Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra and Arizona Symphony Orchestra. He has collaborated with the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica and the Waco Symphony Orchestra. He is currently the professor of bassoon at the School of Musical Arts of the University of Costa Rica.

Colored Stones for solo bassoon tells the story of three stones: smoky quartz, lapis lazuli, and tiger’s eye. Some cultures and spiritual practices believe these stones have powerful qualities such as the ability to heal, protect, and offer spiritual guidance. The bassoon explores these beautiful stones’ unique qualities.

Smoky Quartz – An incredibly grounding stone, this smoky brown stone transforms and diffuses negative energy. The bassoon changes from a sense of grounding to playfulness, exploring this balance of energy. In the end, it always finds its way back to telling the story of the grounding quality of the stone.

Lapis Lazuli — Prized for its colors, this deep blue stone was used by kings and queens in paintings and ceremonial robes. Believed to help foster truthful expression and communication, it supports the immune system and brings peace. The bassoon explores the luxurious blue color, mixing in flashes of gold found in the stone.

Tiger’s Eye – Tiger’s eye, a golden brown to deep red stone, is very grounding and can bring luck and ward off evil. The bassoon is sometimes “protective and seeing,” moving quickly to remove the look of the “evil eye” and other times moving dreamily through an ancient landscape of protective energy.

It was an honor to be chosen as the winner of the 2014 Bassoon Chamber Music Composition Competition and to have this work premiered by Susan Nelson.

This work is available for purchase through Imagine Music Publishing.