Written around 1805 by the renowned composer and virtuoso pianist Johann Nepomuk Hummel, the Great Concerto in F major for Bassoon and Orchestra has become an invaluable work in the bassoon repertoire, earning its place alongside works composed by Weber and Mozart (who was Hummel's teacher) and completing a trio of works almost obligatory for any professional bassoonist (and in the opinion of many the most technically demanding of the three).
This is a work with many remnants of the Viennese Classical School, such as the classic Rondo Sonata form in the third movement, but one of the most striking features is the great technical demands that Hummel makes on the instrument, which although not as high in the register as the Weber concerto, does incorporate many passages of considerable difficulty, very much in the style of what a virtuoso pianist like Hummel liked to add in his soloist compositions.
In any case, Maestro Thunemann manages to overcome each and every one of them with dexterity and mastery, which in conjunction with Si r Marriner's beautiful direction gives us a clear, precise and above all musical performance of this wonderful and beautiful work.
Timestamps:
Allegro Moderato 0:09
Romanza, Andantino e Cantabile 10:58
Rondo, Vivace 16:49
Klaus Thunemann: Bassoon.
Sir Neville Marriner.
Academy of St. Martis in the Fields.