Bassoon Concerto (Jolivet)
French composer André Jolivet wrote his Concerto for Bassoon, String Orchestra, Harp and Piano in 1953-1954. It was premièred on 30 November 1954 by Maurice Allard and the Orchestre Radio-Symphonique de Paris.[1]
It lasts about 13 minutes[1] and is considered one of the most difficult concertos in the instrument's repertoire.[2]
Overview
The concerto is in four movements.
Echoing the Baroque slow-fast-slow-fast Sonata da chiesa,[3] it also displays influence from Neo-classicism and Jazz.[4]
The serene opening Recitativo displays the large range of the bassoon[3] while the second movement Allegro giovale features joyful syncopated rhythms.[5] Its melodic lines suit the capabilities of the instrument remarkably well.[3] The Largo cantabile has been described as haunting, lyrical and colourful[4][6] with some fine contributions of the solo violin and the harp.[5] Finally, the lively, sparkling Fugato belies its relatively austere title and includes some enchanting effects.[3][5]
One of the most difficult concertos in the bassoon's repertoire, it has been called a "delight for virtuosos".[3]
Movements
- Recitativo
- Allegro gioviale
- Largo cantabile
- Fugato
Selected Discography
- Maurice Allard (bassoon), Orchestre Jean-François Paillard, Conductor: André Jolivet, Recorded in 1969, Warner - Erato 2564 61320-2 (2004).
- Valeri Popov (bassoon), Moscow Symphony Orchestra, Conductor: Guennadi Rojdestvenski, Recorded in 1976, Melodiya - 1002215 (2014).
- Robert Rønnes (bassoon), Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, Conductor: Jonathan Stockhammer, (2006).
- Dag Jensen (bassoon), Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra, Conductor: Werner Andreas Albert, Capriccio 10-579 (1997).
- Sergio Azzolini (bassoon), Kammerakademie Potsdam, Conductor: Maurice Bourgue, Capriccio - 67-139 (2005).
- Rie Koyama (bassoon), Südwestdeutsches Kammerorchester Pforzheim, Conductor: Sebastian Tewinkel,Genuin Musikproduction - 13288 (2013).
References
- 1 2 IRCAM data sheet
- ↑ International Double Reed Society Forum, January 2008
- 1 2 3 4 5 Breier, Albert (2005), 20th Century Bassoon Concertos, (Capriccio Records - 67-139), liner notes (translated by Janet and Michael Berridge).
- 1 2 Musicweb-international.com CD Review - Jonathan Woolf
- 1 2 3 Seen and Heard International, Concert Review, Glyn Pursglove, December 2011.
- ↑ Arkivmusic.com, Fanfare Review, Ronald E. Grames
| ||||||||||
