Gabriel Pierné

Solo de Concert for Bassoon op. 35

Gabriel Pierné (1863-1937) composed Solo de Concert for Bassoon, Op. 35 in 1898 as the morceau de concours for the annual bassoon competition at the Paris Conservatoire, one of the institution's distinguished traditions of commissioning virtuoso works to test the artistry and technical proficiency of its students. Written for bassoon and piano, the single-movement composition unfolds in three contrasting sections: a bold, dramatic opening, a lyrical central episode, and a brilliant, spirited conclusion. Reflecting the French school of wind playing, the work combines graceful melodic writing with dazzling passagework and remains an outstanding example of the Conservatoire competition repertoire. The first performances took place during the 1898 Paris Conservatoire concours examinations, after which the work was published the same year. Today, Solo de Concert for Bassoon, Op. 35 is universally regarded as one of the cornerstone works of the bassoon repertoire, frequently performed in recitals, competitions, auditions, and conservatories around the world. Reprint edition of the version for bassoon and orchestra, published circa 1920. Instrumentation: 2.2.2.1: 2.0.0.0: Timp: Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set): Solo Bassoon in set or 1.1.1.0: 1.0.0.0: Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set): Solo Bassoon in set. The work may be played with either a larger or smaller orchestra accompaniment, with many instruments being optional. This solo part is available with the piano accompaniment from the publisher also (M151491).