HUMMEL: Bassoon Concerto; Clarinet Quartet

8.554280

The Bassoon Concerto in F major was written about the year 1805, at a time when the instrument itself was undergoing various changes. In what had become the usual form, the work opens with an orchestral exposition that introduces the two subjects, before the entry of the solo bassoon with its own version of the first of these. This is briefly developed, before a dramatic bridge-passage leads to the re-appearance of the second subject, which is eventually allowed its traditional key, the dominant of F, C major. There is a central development in which there is continued passage-work for the soloist, before the final recapitulation.
The B flat major slow movement allows the orchestra to introduce the principal theme, followed by the soloist. A second element is introduced, modulating from the key of G minor and exploring other ground, before the return of the main theme and moments of soloistic display in a cadenza. The bassoon opens the final rondo with a cheerful melody that has about it something of a village dance. This frames a series of contrasting episodes, including a D minor episode of rapid passage-work.

CD

Muzyka klasyczna

Naxos

08-03-1999

636943428023