Duet G major op. 17/1

Michel Joseph Gebauer (1763-1812) started his musical career as an oboist with the guard of Versailles, then became a singer and violinist with the royal orchestra, national guard musician, then he was appointed professor at the newly founded conservatory and later became musical director of the future imperial guard. Being an oboist, he was also a member of the private chamber ensemble accompanying Napoleon during his campaigns. Gebauer had to pay the Emperor's campaign to Russia with his life. In addition to numerous compositions for the music of the guard, Gebauer also wrote duets and chamber music, including three duets for flute and bassoon op. 17 of which the first is presented here. It can be asssumed that the virtuoso style of the bassoon part aimed at Gebauer's brother who was ten years his junior and a student of Deviennes, and who also held the position of a professor at the conservatory. Our new edition is based on the copy of the first print.