The Playful Pachyderm: Classic Miniatures for Bassoon & Orchestra

Often overlooked, the bassoon is a mysterious voice. This double-reed woodwind instrument, typically found in the tenor and bass registers, rarely takes center stage in the music world. Yet, its occasional appearances reveal the breadth of its expressive possibilities in diverse musical contexts. This CD showcases the bassoon's versatility through a collection of pieces featuring a variety of themes and melodies. The instrument's lyrical qualities are demonstrated through folk songs as well as compositions by Fauré and Ravel. Humorous works such as Elgar's Romance and Gilbert Vinter's The Playful Pachyderm further highlight the instrument's unique charm. This CD pays tribute to the late Ted Perry, founder of Hyperion Records Ltd., and acknowledges his influence on the discovery and promotion of the solo bassoon repertoire. His experimental approach and passion for music have profoundly shaped the history of recording. Special thanks are also due to all those who made important contributions to the creation of this CD, including Graham Melville-Mason, Richard Moore, Karel Spelina, Jírí Formácek and other dedicated collaborators.