Sundowner Programme 32 Into the Deep – Bassoon and Contrabassoon –
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Our programme today traces an expressive journey from the elgance of the Baroque and Classical Masters to the warmth of Romantic melody and the modern rediscovery of the bassoon’s deep sonorous heart.
So we have a journey from Baroque brilliance to Romantic elegance, celebrating the eloquent voice of the bassoon and in two short pieces, its deeper cousin, the contrabassoon.
From the brightness of Vivaldi’s Venice to the twilight lyricism of Strauss, this programme celebrates the full expressive range of the double-reed family — a true dialogue into the deep.
Programme Title: Into the Deep – Double Reeds in Dialogue
Vivaldi, Antonio (1678–1741)
Concerto for Bassoon in E minor, RV 484 Spirited, sparkling Baroque brilliance, alternating fiery outer movements with a soulful slow movement. One of Vivaldi’s finest bassoon concertos, full of vitality and lyrical contrast.
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756–1791)
Bassoon Concerto in B-flat major, K. 191 Elegant and witty, full of graceful melodies and good-natured humour. The first truly great Classical concerto for the instrument, displaying Mozart’s balance between poise and playfulness.
Weber, Carl Maria von (1786–1826)
Andante e Rondo ungarese, Op. 35 A delightfully virtuosic showpiece with a charming Hungarian flair and a dashing finale. Weber brings the bassoon to the centre of the stage with brilliance and good humour.
Nigro, Susan (1951– )
Morceau pour le Basson and Little Tunes for the Bassoon Short, tuneful modern miniatures written for or premiered by the celebrated contrabassoonist Susan Nigro. Light-hearted, tonal, and engaging, they reveal the lyrical and whimsical sides of the great “double bassoon.”
Lipnick, Lewis & Miller, Tammy
Into the Deep An evocative work exploring the full range of the contrabassoon. Deeply sonorous yet surprisingly lyrical, it paints a picture of the instrument’s vast resonance and unexpected sensitivity.
Strauss, Richard (1864–1949)
Duet-Concertino for Clarinet and Bassoon, TrV 293 A late masterpiece blending grace, nostalgia, and gentle humour. The clarinet and bassoon converse like characters in a fairy tale, while the orchestra provides a shimmering, affectionate backdrop. Lyrical, warm, and utterly humane.
So we have a journey from Baroque brilliance to Romantic elegance, celebrating the eloquent voice of the bassoon and in two short pieces, its deeper cousin, the contrabassoon.
From the brightness of Vivaldi’s Venice to the twilight lyricism of Strauss, this programme celebrates the full expressive range of the double-reed family — a true dialogue into the deep.
Programme Title: Into the Deep – Double Reeds in Dialogue
Vivaldi, Antonio (1678–1741)
Concerto for Bassoon in E minor, RV 484 Spirited, sparkling Baroque brilliance, alternating fiery outer movements with a soulful slow movement. One of Vivaldi’s finest bassoon concertos, full of vitality and lyrical contrast.
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756–1791)
Bassoon Concerto in B-flat major, K. 191 Elegant and witty, full of graceful melodies and good-natured humour. The first truly great Classical concerto for the instrument, displaying Mozart’s balance between poise and playfulness.
Weber, Carl Maria von (1786–1826)
Andante e Rondo ungarese, Op. 35 A delightfully virtuosic showpiece with a charming Hungarian flair and a dashing finale. Weber brings the bassoon to the centre of the stage with brilliance and good humour.
Nigro, Susan (1951– )
Morceau pour le Basson and Little Tunes for the Bassoon Short, tuneful modern miniatures written for or premiered by the celebrated contrabassoonist Susan Nigro. Light-hearted, tonal, and engaging, they reveal the lyrical and whimsical sides of the great “double bassoon.”
Lipnick, Lewis & Miller, Tammy
Into the Deep An evocative work exploring the full range of the contrabassoon. Deeply sonorous yet surprisingly lyrical, it paints a picture of the instrument’s vast resonance and unexpected sensitivity.
Strauss, Richard (1864–1949)
Duet-Concertino for Clarinet and Bassoon, TrV 293 A late masterpiece blending grace, nostalgia, and gentle humour. The clarinet and bassoon converse like characters in a fairy tale, while the orchestra provides a shimmering, affectionate backdrop. Lyrical, warm, and utterly humane.
