(Editor's Note: The following music was sent compliments of the Theodore Presser Company, representing three French publishers, Billaudot, Leduc and Rideau Rouge. I hope this information will encourage many bassoonists and others to investigate these pieces.)

1. From the collection directed by Maurice Allard, published by Gérard Billaudot, Paris:

ANCELIN, Pierre -- Silene for Bassoon and 10 Musicians

The edition comes with a piano reduction by the composer; no information is given about the instrumentation of the "ten musicians", but the material is available on rental. The style of this work is modern French chromatic. The technical difficulty is "formidable", and in quality it seems a good and effective work.

BLANQUER, Amando -- Concerto, Bassoon with Piano Reduction

Dedicated to Maurice Allard, this concerto looks interesting and is in a modern romantic style, only medium in difficulty. To me it looks fine for a recital program with piano accompaniment.

DONDEYNE, Désirée -- Pour se divertir for Three Bassoons

DONDEYNE, Désirée -- Pour se distraire for Four Bassoons

The first work is an adaptation from-two works by Rameau, "La Poule" and "La Villageoise". Lots of fun and medium in difficulty. A good university trio will enjoy it immensely.

The quartet is a fully-composed work in five short movements: "L'alouette". "Le chant de Ian Rochelle". "Le chant de Jeanne", "II court . . . Ie Furet" and "Fugue sur la Route de Dijon." Dedicated to Maurice Allard and his pupils, this quartet should be welcomed by concert-giving groups in North America and elsewhere, the bassoon quartet medium becoming increasingly popular.

THIRIET, André -- Trois ouvertures miniatures for Four Bassoons.

Not very interesting musically. In the category: "cute".

TISNÉ, Antoine -- Solstices for Bassoon and String Orchestra (with piano reduction)

This is a very beautiful work, definitely new music and a vehicle for poetic expression for the soloist. The movements are titled: I. Chant Du Desert, II. Chant De La Mer, III. Chant De La Terre, Recit Rhapsodique libre (this movement, for bassoon alone, is the stunning solo performed by Maurice Allard at the 1976 Toronto IDRS Conference), IV. Chant Du Diel and V. Danse Solaire. 19 min. 45 sec. in length, these "Seasons" (Solstices)) should become as famous for bassoonists as Vivaldi's "Seasons" are for string players.

VIVALDI, Antonio -- Concerto F VIII No. 14 in C Minor

This concerto is new to me and looks very strong. Maurice Allard has edited the solo line with many clear indications for more musical performance, and he has also made the keyboard reduction from the orchestral score (the score and parts may be rented from the publisher). The first movement (triple meter) sparkles with rhythmic variety and strong melodic ideas. The slow movement (triple meter) is similar in spirit to the lovely opening movement of Vivaldi's first sonata for violoncello, often performed by bassoonists. The final Allegro (duple meter) contains cascading triplets in legato, pure staccato, interesting syncopation and multiple use of appoggiaturas. Certainly this is the work of a composer in love with music and his work.

Von WEBER, C.M. -- Concerto in F Major

Although many fine editions of this famous concerto are currently available, I can highly recommend this new version. Maurice Allard has made the piano reduction himself and knows how to alter chords and passages in the piano line to make them sound suitable to the instrument (at last) and beautifully supportive of the solo line. Mr. Allard has also written a new cadenza to end the slow movement. In both the solo part and the piano score, Mr. Allard gives middle c' (not the usually given e' ) for beat two of measure 16 in the final movement. I will write to him asking about this.

2. From Editions Leduc, Paris:

BOZZA, Eugène -- CONTRASTES I for Flute and Bassoon

BOZZA, Eugène -- CONTRASTES III for Clarinet and Bassoon

Except for minor changes in line and order of movements, these two works are one and the same, in Bozza's typical good woodwind style. The copyright date is 1977, but I think these are earlier works possibly. Bozza's newest solos and etudes are in a more free and oriental style.

BEETHOVEN, L. Van -- Duo No. 3 Clarinet and Bassoon

A reproduction on page one of the frontespiece of either a very early edition or the original edition of this work adds interest: the bottom line editor's space contains, "A Paril, Chez Augte Le Duc, Au grand Magasin de Musique". This recent edition has been revised by Pierre Poulteau and should serve performers well, especially students (a score is included in addition to separate parts).

POULTEAU, Pierre -- Sonatine for Clarinet and Bassoon

The editor of the above edition has also produced a fine cheerful work for clarinet and bassoon. It should be a welcome addition to wind groups wishing to perform smaller ensembles for program variety. The piece is dedicated to bassoonist Floran Hollard.

3. From Editions Rideau Rouge, Paris:

DUBOIS, Pierre Max -- Concerto Ironico for Bassoon and Orchestra (with piano reduction)

Like many modern French works, this concerto seems to be very technically demanding while providing few rewards to the listener or to the performer in terms of memorable music.

Table of Contents