Jean Françaix aimed to create 'serious music without gravity,' a neoclassical approach that sometimes drew criticism from his contemporaries.
Historical Context
The modern bassoon's construction, which forms the basis of most instruments today, was largely established by Carl Almenräder and Johann Adam Heckel in the 19th century.
Historical Context
The bassoon's direct ancestors, such as the pommer and dulcian, date back to the Late Middle Ages when instrument families formed alongside the development of polyphony.
Composer Biography
Heitor Villa-Lobos, a significant Brazilian composer, integrated both Western art music and Brazilian folk elements into his works, drawing inspiration from indigenous drums and children's round dances.
Composer's Artistic Vision
André Jolivet, a member of the group La jeune France, pursued a universal approach to music, viewing it as a 'sonorous manifestation directly related to the universal cosmic system.'
Performer Biography
Matthias Rácz, the bassoonist on this album, began his musical training at age six on piano and ten on bassoon, winning numerous national and international competitions by his early twenties.
Composer Biography
Henri Tomasi's music was deeply influenced by the horrors of World War II and his work with French Colonial Radio, which exposed him to exotic and folkloric music from places like India and Southeast Asia.
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