Pierre Max Dubois's Sonatine-Tango was commissioned for the 1984 Paris Conservatoire Concours, an annual instrumental contest.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Amy Beth Kirsten, an American composer, incorporates aspects of music, language, and theater in her works, drawing inspiration from visual artists like Thomas Doyle.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Olav Berg, a composer featured on this album, dislikes "mezzoforte music" and strives to invite listeners to actively participate in the concert experience with an open mind.
Album & Artwork
The album title, "A Bassoonist's World," suggests that the five pieces selected represent diverse and expressive 'ecosystems' within a bassoonist's musical world.
Composer Biography
André Previn, whose Trio for Oboe, Bassoon, and Piano is featured, was a versatile musician who composed classical and film music, performed classical and jazz piano, and conducted major orchestras.
Compositional Technique
Brahms's Sonata in E minor, originally for cello and piano, highlights his connection to tradition by drawing its opening cello motive from Bach's Art of the Fugue.
Historical Context
Johannes Brahms, whose Sonata in E minor is on this album, was a figurehead for 'absolute music' composers, who favored traditional forms over the programmatic style of the 'New German School' led by Franz Liszt and Richard Wagner.
