Volume 8 is for Tenor and Bass recorders. Each duet is 3 pages, so an extra loose folio is provided with the third pages, to avoid impossible page turns.

“Screen Door Rag” evokes imagery of a youthful summer with warm breezes through the house, pies cooling on the windowsill, and daydreams of the county fair next week. Storm clouds may rumble through, but the gentle rain will soon give way to sun once more.

“La Tristesse” is a slow dialogue, in a moody setting reminiscent of a Baroque-style ground bass. As the players search for meaning in tragedy, they console each other with the comforting resonance of their low notes.

“Canned Yams” invites flippancy and thinly veiled conceit. Swing the 8ths and be sure to observe the staccato marks on the quarters to add levity and contrast to the swing. Take the optional repeat or invent your own repeat scheme to prolong the fun!

Charles Fischer of Unicorn Music commissioned this set of 24 duets for recorders, in 8 volumes grouped by instrument combination. Their difficulty levels are generally suitable for intermediate players, though advanced players will find them enjoyable and challenging as well. As in all my music, tasteful ornamentation beyond what is notated is welcome and encouraged.