New publications from England...
1) Otto Oromszegi, Twenty Advanced Bassoon Studies, Emerson Edition, Ampleforth, Yorkshire, England, (1978).
2) Otto Oromszegi, Fifteen Characteristic Pieces i . n Hungarian Style for solo bassoon, Emerson Edition #139 (1983).
These two relatively new works by Hungarian bassoonist-historian-teacher, Otto Oromzegi, are excellent companion pieces for the well-known Ten Modern Studies for Bassoon (Editio Musica Budapest: Z. 3273) of 1962. The Advanced Studies, like the earlier modern studies are highly accessible, yet technically demanding works that make elaborate use of such modern neo-classical techniques as whole tone scales and arpeggios on more advanced harmonies such as augmented triads, etc. They are also somewhat progressive in that the latter works are the more difficult. While their style is advanced they are decidedly not atonal, thereby filling a void for technical studies between Milde and Bertoni. The Characteristic Pieces are much more soloistic in nature and require even more technique and facility. (They are dedicated to Arthur Grossman). Some of them, such as the "Locomotive", "May Festival", "Perpetuum Mobile", or the final "Chamois-Dance" would make excellent recital encore pieces. They are much less oriented toward technical mastery and are, therefore, musically most satisfying. Both editions are handsomely printed by Emerson. (Review by Ronald Klimko)
New publications from Finland...
1) Bernhard Crusell, Concertino Pour Le Bassoon (Piano score by Harri Ahmas), Musiikki Fazer Musik (F.M. 06658-3) Helsinki, 1984.
2) Harri Ahmas, Sonate Per Fagotto E Pianoforte, 1981, Finnish Music Information Centre, Ruheberginkatu 15 Al, 00100 Helsinki 10, Finland.
At long last bassoonists envious of clarinetists' easy access to works by the Finnish-born Bernhard Henrik Crusell (1775-1838) can play the B-flat major Concertino for bassoon from 1829 now published by Edition Fazer (F.M. 06658-3) in a well laid-out piano score prepared by Harri Ahmas. Despite its name the work is in fact rather substantial, including quotes from one of Boieldieu's hit tunes of the time and ending in a catchy polacca. Fazer are to be commended on the inclusion of extensive background notes by Fabian Dahlstrom whose doctoral thesis was on Crusell. Ahmas (born 1957) is currently one of the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra's bassoonists following studies at the Sibelius Academy (E. Elola) as well as Vienna and Budapest. He has also studied composition with E. Englund and E. Rautavaara and both his Sonata for Bassoon and Piano from 1981 and his Drefaltiger Abschied are available from the Finnish Music Information Centre. The 17-minute sonata is a nicely melodic work with good use of the often neglected middle and lower registers. (Review by Antero Ojanto)
New publications from the United States
Marcel Farago, Phantasy on A Theme by Paganini for Bassoon alone, Op. 40A, Raymond A. Ojeda, Music for wind instruments, 98 Briar Road, Kenfield, California 94904. ($3.00 plus .75 postage and handling).
This remarkable new work for solo bassoon is a real gem. Based on the well-known 24th Caprice theme of Paganini, it really puts the bassoon through its paces, technically and musically, in its relatively short length of theme and eight variations. The soloist must have command of the bassoon with complete facility up to high E2. One is not "set up" to pop off an occasional high note here, but in the manner of French Conservatory music, the high notes are unabashedly expected in the normal scale and arpeggio passages of the work. The Phantasy is dedicated to Philadelphia bassoonist, Bernard Garfield, and was one of the required works on the most recent bassoon auditions of the Philadelphia Orchestra. The work is highly recommended to those young (or young at heart) bassoonists with the courage to tackle it. (Review by Ronald Klimko)
Johann Reischi, Parthia in E-flat Major for 2 clarinets, 2 horns, and bassoon (edited by T. Donley Thomas) NN01, Urtext Premiere Publication, (grade 3-4), Medici Music Press, P.O. Box 1623, St. Cloud, MN 56302 ($14.00).
J. Michael Haydn, Divertimento in D for flute, oboe, horn, bassoon (edited by Charles Sherman), QQ01, Urtext Premiere Publication, (grade 5), Medici Music Press. ($12.00).
These two new publications from Medici continue the high quality work exhibited in their earlier releases. Both are carefully edited, with the "edited" parts clearly marked. The printing is clear and very readable. The works are lighter classical-era compositions for winds, easily accessible to amateurs, student, or professional performers. I recommend them strongly both for their musicality and usefulness. (Review by Ronald Klimko)
Renaissance Music for Bassoon Quartet: Josquin Des Prez, "Absalon, Fili Mi", "De Tous Biens Playne", Cipriano Da Rore, "Calami Sonum Ferentes" (Arr. by David Carp), Carp Music 153 Seaman Ave., New York, NY 10034, 1984 ($6.00)
Early Music for Bassoon Trio: Josquin De Prez - "La Belle Se Siet" Solage - "Fumeaux Fume" Heinrich Isaac - "Cement Peult" Matteo Da Peruggia - "Gia Da Rete
D'Amor" (Arr. by David Carp), Carp Music, 1984. ($5.00)
Six Arias from "The Barber of Seville" by Gioacchino Rossini, arr. for 2 bassoons by Francois Gebauer (Ed. by Michael Finn) Carp Music, 1983. ($10.00)
Carp Music seems to be continuing the tradition of the Bubonic Publishing Company in providing bassoonists with delightful ensemble music. The Early Music and Renaissance pieces are pleasant, readable and clearly printed. But I especially enjoyed the "Barber of Seville" arias - what fun to fire away on such "work horses " as the famous "Largo al Factorum" aria, among others. These are great works both for sightreading and as potential recital "morceux". I recommend them most highly. (Review by Ronald Klimko)