From Philip A.M. Kolker - Principal Bassoon, Baltimore Symphony

Telemann, G.P. -- "Music for Wind Instruments". Samuel Baron, flute; Ronald Roseman, oboe; Arthur Weisberg, bassoon; Timothy Eddy, 'cello; and Edward Brewer, harpsichord .(Nonesuch Records No. H-71352.)

There is an excellent new recording of Telemann wind music. My favorite work is the D minor Quartet from the Tafelmusik II for Bassoon or Recorder, two transverse flutes and Continuo. While I've always preferred the work with the two flutes, it also works well as here with flute and oboe. These colleagues of long standing play the work with good balance and fine ensemble. The second movement really sparkles and the bassoon playing is dazzling. The Trio Sonata in E-flat for Oboe, "Concertato" Harpsichord, and Continuo in which the harpsichord is one of the solo instruments, is played with a quiet delicacy. Mr. Roseman's performance is beautifully elegant. The F minor Sonata for Bassoon and Continuo is given a robust and virtuosic reading. Mr. Weisberg plays with a beautiful sound and plentiful ornamentation. Indeed, the second and last movements are brilliantly florid. Also included is the C minor Sonata for Flute and Continuo.

"CONTRASTS, The Lighter Elgar" --

Northern Sinfonia Orchestra conducted by Neville Marriner. Michael Chapman, solo bassoon. (E.M.I. Records. ASD 2638.) This collection of little pieces for orchestra by Edward Elgar includes a lovely performance of the Romance for Bassoon and Orchestra, Op. 62. Chapman plays with a clear, full sound and lyrical phrasing. The recording shows the attention to detail and good taste which so often characterize performances conducted by Neville Marriner.

The Academy Trio --

Anthony Gigliotti, clarinet; Amelia Gigliotti, piano; and Bernard Garfield, bassoon. Suite for Clarinet, Bassoon and Piano by Alec Wilder; Fantasie Concertante for Clarinet, Bassoon and Piano by H. Villa-Lobos; and Sonata for Clarinet and Bassoon by Francis Poulenc. Beautifully integrated chamber playing by these principals of the famed Philadelphia Orchestra together with Mrs. Gigliotti. (Golden Crest Records, Inc., 220 Broadway, Huntington Station, NY. CRS 4115).

S.C. Eckhardt-Gramatté -- Triple Concerto for Trumpet, Clarinet, Bassoon and Orchestra. Philip Collins, trumpet; James Morton, Clarinet; Gerald Corey, bassoon. The National Arts Centre Orchestra (Canada), conducted by Mario Bernardi. Also on this record, Mozart's Symphony No. 38 in D, K. 504, "Prague". (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Recordings. Toronto, Ontario SM 272 Stereo)

The Russian-born composer, performer, Sonia Eckhardt-Gramatté, who was tragically killed in a traffic accident in Germany in 1974, had a long career as a gifted rare soloist both on the violin and the piano. At one time she toured with Leopold Stokowski, performing solos on both instruments in the same concerts. In 1954, she settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Her many compositions, including a concerto for bassoon as well as this interesting triple concerto, are marked by a bold thematic and rhythmic style, modern and independent.

Table of Contents