Du Puy Bassoon Concerto in C minor

[terry martyn]

I recently referred to the spiritually refreshing Du Puy Bassoon Concerto in A major (the guy who had a penchant for riding his horse into church).    Little did I know that another Du Puy Bassoon Concerto (this time in C minor) would be released on CD (Ondine) a couple of weeks ago. Played with elan by the very macho Finnish bassoonist Jaakko Luoma and well-supported in the main by the Tapiola Sinfonietta (the upper register of the strings is sometimes a bit shrill), this is a characteristically catchy work.  The CD is well-stocked with the previously recorded Crusell Concerto or Concertino, a  Divertissement by Eduard Brendler that I had never heard of, but has apparently been previously recorded,and a slightly better known Concerto (entitled Konzertstuck) by Berwald, with its variations on "There's No Place Like Home" as the slow movement.


This is a hugely entertaining disc.

[Alan Howe]

well-supported in the main by the Tapiola Sinfonietta (the upper register of the strings is sometimes a bit shrill)

I imagine this is deliberate - it's HIP-influenced. I don't particularly like it either.

[terry martyn]

According to the booklet,Alan,whilst it is HIP-silent,it does say that the conductor is noted for his "gritty" performances!

[terry martyn]

I urge all lovers of early Romantic concertos to check out the finale of the Du Puy - up there with Weber.  A rollicking rollercoaster,as Adam West might have said.

[Alan Howe]

The Tapiola Sinfonietta are known for their HIP-influenced style of playing. These days, you'd be pushed to find a smaller ensemble that doesn't play that way.

[terry martyn]

Thank you,Alan - that I didn't know.   Nonetheless,  and I speak for myself,  it doesn't detract from the spirited and colourful nature of the music itself, which I have already played twice today.

[Alan Howe]

It's OK in music of this period, less so as the 19th century goes on.