A significant event has recently taken place on the bassoon scene in Paris. In France's recently established State-supported Symphony, l'Orchestre de Paris, they are currently using Bach trumpets and Conn horns. Not long ago André Sennedat, the principal bassoon, asked von Karajan, since Munch's death the musical director, for a Heckel to try. As a result, since this spring the entire section of 3 bassoons and contra have been playing Heckel instruments bought for them by the management, being the first player in France ever to do so.
Their conductor, Serge Baudo, and their colleagues in the orchestra are pleased with the change, but there is consternation reported among other local bassoonists.
I took part in a TV recording in Paris this June, demonstrating early specimens in the Conservatoire Museum (including a fine 17th century racket). In the same program the Heckel vs. Buffet question was to be discussed. Maurice Allard, Professor of Bassoon at the Conservatoire and always an uncompromising champion of the French system, refused to participate. (there was a similar situation in London in the early 30's when the new converts found some of their older colleagues were no longer on speaking terms with them!) it remains to be seen how many of his students will defy him and the tradition of the past 200 years. (July, 1970)