Early Bassoon Recordings and What We Can Learn from Them

Early Bassoon Recordings and What We Can Learn from Them

A remarkable number of shellac discs and wax cylinders that prominently feature bassoonists were made during the first decades of recording. We can learn a great deal from them about bassoon tone, repertoire, important players who are little known today, and more. Perhaps most critically these recordings directly connect us to 19th century performance practice in the days of Julius Weissenborn and Eugène Jancourt. This presentation, with copious audio, will explore some of the most interesting and surprising early recordings that feature bassoon, including solo repertoire, orchestral excerpts, chamber music, novelty songs, and even jazz.

Performers