Alexandre Tansman: Bassoon Suite (1960)

00:00 - I. Introduction et Allegro: Lento molto cantabile (to Allegro grazioso) 04:09 - II. Sarbande: Adagio sostenuto 05:56 - III. Scherzo: Allegro vivace _____ Bassoon: Christopher Millard Piano: Kenneth Broadway Year of Recording: 1994 _____ “Alexandre Tansman was an internationally recognized composer and virtuoso pianist. He was regarded as one of the most prominent Polish musicians of his time. The Suite pour bassoon (1960 concours piece) is in three movements and is clearly a significant technical challenge. The technical demands in the first movement are not overwhelmingly difficult, but the multitasking of technique along with the required nuance, light articulation and tonal clarity is a substantial task. The second movement is tranquil, lovely and brief. The third movement Scherzo is fast and very rhythmic in its appeal. The piano and bassoon are often at odds rhythmically with displaced groups of three and five against three patterns. Many of the same melodic themes used in the Suite pour bassoon can be found in his Suite pour Trio d’Anches (1954), Sonatine for bassoon and piano (1952) and Four Impressions for Woodwind Octet (1950).“ (Timothy McGovern) _____ © COPYRIGHT Disclaimer, Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Allowance is made for “fair use“ for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.