Francaix, Hummel, Jolivet, Mozart: Bassoon Concerto in B flat, K191; Bassoon Concerto in F; Concerto for Bassoon, Harp, Piano & Strings; Divertissement

The concerto repertoire for the bassoon is mainly to be found in the 18th and 20th centuries and this disc strikes a good balance between the Austro-German Classical and modern French eras. Mozart’s concerto will be familiar to many concert-goers; Hummel’s (1811) is more symphonic and virtuosic in its grand conception.

Our rating

4

Published: January 20, 2012 at 4:16 pm

COMPOSERS: Francaix,Hummel,Jolivet,Mozart
LABELS: Capriccio
WORKS: Bassoon Concerto in B flat, K191; Bassoon Concerto in F; Concerto for Bassoon, Harp, Piano & Strings; Divertissement
PERFORMER: Dag Jensen (bassoon); Cologne RSO/Werner Andreas Albert
CATALOGUE NO: 10 579 DDD

The concerto repertoire for the bassoon is mainly to be found in the 18th and 20th centuries and this disc strikes a good balance between the Austro-German Classical and modern French eras. Mozart’s concerto will be familiar to many concert-goers; Hummel’s (1811) is more symphonic and virtuosic in its grand conception. In 1954 Jolivet wrote his concerto for bassoon (with strings, harp and piano) for a Paris Conservatoire competition and it’s an impressively original work, whilst Françaix’s 1942 Divertissement for bassoon and string quintet is also a sparkling creation.

Capriccio are producing an original series featuring Cologne Radio Orchestra’s principal players (horn and flute are already available) and here it’s the turn of principal bassoonist Dag Jensen, who makes an impressive case for his instrument in stylishly phrased and musical performances, particularly in the French compositions in which he produces a wide-ranging kaleidoscope of the bassoon’s qualities. His orchestral colleagues give him sympathetic support throughout. Christopher Fifield

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