Vivaldi is considered the 'pioneer of the bassoon concerto,' having written 39 solo concertos for the instrument, the largest group of works created for it at the time.
Composition History
Researchers suspect Vivaldi wrote most of his 39 bassoon concertos for the virtuoso female instrumentalists of the Ospedale della Pietà orchestra, a school for girls where he worked.
Performer Biography
The Academy of St Martin in the Fields, the orchestra on this recording, was formed in 1958 by Sir Neville Marriner from leading London musicians.
Composer Biography
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741), the composer of these concertos, was appointed maestro di violino at the Ospedale della Pietà, a church-run school for girls, in 1704.
Historical Context
Before the 17th century, the bassoon was primarily used as a basso continuo instrument, providing a solid basis for sound and harmonies.
Compositional Technique
Vivaldi's bassoon concertos demand enormous virtuosity, with passagework over several octaves, wide leaps, and intricate arpeggios in the fast movements.
Performer Biography
Gustavo Núñez, the bassoonist on this recording, is the principal bassoon with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and is considered one of the best bassoonists of his generation.
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