A masters bassoon recital and program notes

Abstract

This Master's report focuses on the biographical information of the composers for the works performed on the author's Graduate Recital held in the fall of 2025, as well as additional subchapter related to each piece.

The first chapter focuses on the work Concerto for Bassoon and 11 Instruments by Jean Françaix. It includes a brief biography of the composer, and the subchapter follows development of the bassoon and the instrument's key development which split into two different systems, German and French.

The second chapter focuses on the work Sonata for Cello and Piano by Louise Farrenc. It includes a brief biograph of the composer, and the subchapter covers arranging cello works and basso continuo parts to make them playable on the bassoon as well as how to perform string parts on the bassoon to create an authentic performance.

The third chapter focuses on the work Duo for Oboe and Bassoon by Heitor Villa-Lobos. It includes a biography of the composer, and the subchapter explains the musical history and evolution of music in Brazil involving both Brazilian Amerindians and European influences.

The fourth chapter focuses on the work Fantasy for Bassoon by Malcom Arnold. It includes a biography of the composer, and the subchapter provides a brief history of unaccompanied bassoon music with details on four of the most famous works.

The fifth chapter focuses on the work Bassoon Concerto by Gioachini Rossini. It includes a biography of the composer, and the subchapter gives details of five of the most important concertos for the bassoon, the history of the compositions and why they were written.

The sixth chapter focuses on the work Things to be and Additional Miniatures by Machenzie Azela. It includes a biography of the composer, and the subchapter describes the overall history of electronic amplification and effect as well as the process for using amplification to perform an electronic bassoon piece.