It is my great pleasure to send you this first issue of a newsletter for bassoonists. Its purpose is simple communication .
With your help and contributions! i plan to publish three or four issues each year. My intent is to stimulate a greater interest in bettering our art as performers and improving the instruments and reeds we play. I will also try to keep you informed on ail aspects of performance -- now and from the past.
Most of this first letter is contributed by me. But I wish to be primarily an editor of ideas coming from all over the world on any subject relating to the bassoon, for our mutual benefit and interest. I hope all readers will mail me brief or lengthy articles on: technical ideas, reeds, tools, recordings, new music, solo performances, and similar subjects. I also welcome "letters to the Editor" with advice on improving this newsletter or merely to make a personal contact.
Every bassoonist I know would like to have still better equipment: reeds, bocals, instruments, fingerings, and a larger repertoire of good music for performance. Therefore, I hope these articles will be meaningful and useful to you in some way.
In each issue will be included a biography of a bassoonist whose playing example or excellent teaching directly contributed to today's high performance standard. I would like to feature artists from as many countries as possible to give a broad picture of our tradition. So please send me histories and photographs of your teachers or outstanding recent players. listing important recordings made by them, even if out of print. As time goes on perhaps we can establish a tape correspondence in addition to the newsletters. This might allow us to exchange copies of valuable older recordings as well as current examples of playing styles and advanced techniques i .
I will mention as many of the new bassoon solo and chamber recordings as l can. I will need your assistance for record companies and numbers. particularly if you live outside the United States. Many overseas recordings are sold here. but not ail are listed in our record catalogues If you hear of a new release or make a recording. please let me know!
There will be news of antique and historic model bassoons in performance and mention will be made of some futuristic sounds as well. I enjoy many different bassoon sounds and styles and hope to hear from equally interested players recognizing the importance of variety of approach to our uniquely personal instrument.
As a special service I will report any stolen bassoons for you giving descriptions and details. For a start. I am listing my own Heckel Bassoon, No. 10427 4, taken in Baltimore early this year. It is ten years old, in excellent condition and easily identified. Dark red finish with posts on the long joint for a special Low "A" Bell. A reward is offered for its return.
Although there will be no commercial advertising, I will mention addresses and sources in the articles to assist you in communication.
I am asking a subscription fee of $2.50 U.S. per year, for 3 issues, to cover printing expenses.
I anticipate with pleasure hearing from as many bassoonists as possible. Feel free to write to me in any language. I will print all your contributions, space permitting. If you are short on time, just send me a postal card. Thank you and best regards!