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.
Quote from: terry martyn on Monday 10 February 2025, 15:00well-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.
According to the booklet,Alan,whilst it is HIP-silent,it does say that the conductor is noted for his "gritty" performances!
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.
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.
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.
It's OK in music of this period, less so as the 19th century goes on.