MASTER SOLOS -- A group of bassoon solos, music plus a cassette tape recording of the music performed by Leonard Sharrow, formerly NBC and Chicago Symphony solo bassoon and now principal bassoonist of the Pittsburgh Symphony. Each solo is recorded twice on tape. The first track features the solo performance with piano accompaniment. The second track is the piano accompaniment only, for rehearsal purposes.
Prices for the set, Master Solos for Bassoon are: $3.95 (music only) $9.95 (U.S.) for Music and Cassette Recording. (Hal Leonard Publishing Corp . Milwaukee, Wis. 53213. Available at music dealers.)
THE CONTRA-BASSOON, A Guide to Performance - by Cornelia A. Biggers. Just published, this first comprehensive book dealing with the contra-bassoon is something bassoon teachers and serious performers of the contra have always needed. Ms. Biggers covers many points of performance, technique, and reed making. She even discusses the difficult psychology of waiting through hundreds of "bars rest" for a chance to play (completely prepared) that exposed, difficult passage! I am sure that this book will prove immensely practical for many students and professionals. (Elkan-Vogel, Inc. Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. $5.95 (U.S.)
CONTEMPORARY BASSOON TECHNIQUES -- Here is the listing of works performed by Charles Lipp of the University of Nevada during his lecture/recital and new music for the bassoon. The annotated comments are from Mr. Lipp.
Frederick Mueller - New Studies for Bassoon (1973), a series of etudes exploring cantabile melodic styles in a non-tonal framework. Available from the composer, Moorhead State University, Moorhead, Kentucky 40351.
Hans Apostel - Sonatine, Op. 19, No. 3 (1951); a longer (11 min.) unaccompanied work by a member of the New Viennese School. (Universal Edition # 12217).
Herbert Brun - Sonatina for Bassoon Alone (1953,) a shorter work (5 min.), technically difficult but musically rewarding. From the composer, School of Music, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801.
Charles Lipp - Pieces for Bassoon (1970-71); two short pieces introducing 'extended techniques.' Available from the composer at Music Department, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada 89154.
James Fulkerson - Patterns VII (1972); a graphic score playable on any instrument; an excellent score to use with new playing techniques. From the composer, Barten Workshop, Dartington College of Arts, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6EJ, England.