Table of Contents OF BASSOON MUSIC -- Including Table of Contents OF BAROQUE TRIO SONATAS. Available from: The Music Register, P.O. Box 94, Magnolia, Arkansas 71753 $7.50 (additional 2 year supplement mailed to you: $5.005 year supplement: $10.00) A fine compilation by Wayne Wilkins of music for bassoon alone, with piano, with orchestra or band accompaniment, and in all the ensemble possibilities. Additionally there is a large index of baroque trio sonatas. All publishers and sources are clearly given.
Méthode de basson by Maurice Allard (Gérard Billoudot. Paris. $6.00 in Canada). Although this slim book (33 pp.) is intended for students of the Buffet-Crampon bassoon, I urge all bassoonists to avail themselves of it. Printed in French and English, the book beautifully illustrates Allard's teaching art and deep musical wisdom. A treasure.
Le BASSON by J. Kergomard (history and acoustics) and J.M. Heinrich (bassoon reeds) Published by the Groupe d'Acoustique Musicale (G A M), Universite Paris - Tour 66, 4, Place Jussieu, Paris 5e. France. Order: Livres Nos 82 and 83. Having received a complimentary copy, I do not know the price. This is the first modern discussion of bassoon history, acoustics, and reed thoughts from French sources in the French language. Although conclusions are presented by the stated authors/compilers, there is a running discussion throughout the book (about the several topics) by a large and practical seminar group. This makes for very interesting exchanges of viewpoints. I hope to have the work more fully translated soon for a review in a coming newsletter. If another reviewer can do this for me, it would be most welcome. The book should be of interest to players of the Heckel system bassoon as well as French bassoonists because the design and acoustical differences are compared, and the reed discussion spends as much time on the German type reed as on the French reed.
Woodwind Comparative Fingering Chart by Stuart-Morgan Vance (IDRS. member, Ed.) 1977: $5.00 (US.) Order: Holly Croft, 3718 Sallee Lane, Louisville, Kentucky 40222. A really useful chart for students of woodwind design, doublers, and those who pick up an unusual system wind instrument and can't "find the notes." In two sections, the chart initially compares only the most-used models of flute, recorder, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, and bassoon. Part two adds fingerings from other systems for the internationally and historically-minded. Bassoon systems included are: Heckel, Buffet Crampon, Haseneier-Boehm, Triebert-Marzoli-Boehm Ward-Boehm, Heckel contra bassoon and Buffet-Crampon contra bassoon. Bravo on a most helpful gathering of information.
Das Grosse ROHRBUCH by Hans Lotsch (Verlag Das Musikinstrument. Frankfurt. 1974) In German (only), this large and clearly-illustrated reed making method by a Munich-based bassoon reed-maker should be a welcome addition to the libraries of serious bassoonists. Although a translation or a strong grasp of German vocabulary would be essential for a full understanding of the text, there is a step-by-step photographed reed construction section which any trained reedmaker will easily comprehend. The reed style has a short tube section and a longer than average "Bahn" (vibrating blade).
French Bassoon/German Bassoon by Gerald Corey. A brief article explaining the natures of the two instruments and their common beginnings -- appeared in a new music industry magazine, MUSIC MARKET CANADA, Vol. 1. No. 1 February, 1977. 481 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario Canada MSW 1A7.
Beckwith, John -- Four Pieces for Bassoon Duet (1951). These are lyric, musical and moderately challenging pieces suitable for bassoon recital programs. Available from Canadian Music Centre, 1263 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario MSR 2CI, Canada.
Bruns. Victor -- Concerto No. 2, Opus 15, Edited by Gustave Dherin. (International Music Co. #1526. $3.00) An interesting melodic piece by this little-known prolific bassoonist/composer. Early 20th century style.
Eccles, Henry (1670 - 1742) -- Sonata in G minor (Edited by Leonard Sharrow). (International Music Co. # 3038. $2.50) Most likely the work was first intended for violoncello (highest note is b' ), but fits the bassoon character well also. Perhaps nice for a first year university recital.
Elgar, Edward -- Romance for Bassoon and Orchestra Op. 62 (Arr. for Bassoon and Piano) (Novello. England ca. $2.50) Elgar once played the bassoon (French system) and was quite fond of its voice (witness the lovely parts in his "Enigma Variations" for orchestra). This very pretty Romance is dedicated to Edwin F. James (1860 - 1920), a relative of London's leading French bassoonist of today, Cecil James (I believe his uncle, Ed.)
Jacob, Gordon -- Partita for Unaccompanied Bassoon (Oxford University Press; Suite for Bassoon and String Quartet (Musica Rara); Four Sketches for Bassoon and Piano (Emerson Edition. Ampleforth, Yorks, England. Possibly still in preparation. Write for information.); Three Little Pieces for Oboe and Bassoon (Musica Rara)
Keller, Homer -- Sonata for Bassoon and Piano (1941) (America Composers Alliance, 170 W. 74th Street, New York, NY 10023, $4.50) A very expressive solo piece by this excellent US. composer. I was recently made aware of its availability and am pleased to have it. If you do not know Keller's "Five Little Pieces" for Clarinet and Bassoon (AMP New York), you should get it! They were written for Clark Brody (solo clar. Chicago Symphony) and Norman Herzberg when those musicians were classmates of Homer Keller at the Eastman School of Music.
Luening, Otto - Sonata for Bassoon and Piano (Galaxy Music Corp., New York. $3.00) A rather unusually designed work with a stark, simply accompanied first movement, brisk second, very simple third, and rollicking (but rhythmically intriguing) finale.