Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Carl Maria von Weber, Johann Nepomuk Hummel :: Mozart, Weber, Hummel: Bassoon Concertos

The best bassoon concertos

Jill Malter | jillmalter@aol.com | 08/29/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These are three of the finest bassoon concertos ever written. Of course, there are performances of them by several excellent bassoonists, including Jensen, Nakanishi, Werba, Perkins, and Thunemann. But I like Popov the best! He's really talented, and he truly brings out what the bassoon has to offer us.



My favorite of these concertos is the one by Hummel. But I've loved the charming Andante and Hungarian Rondo by Weber, ever since I first heard it in the 1940s, and I am glad it is included on this disk. Hearing it makes me dream of performing it on the bass clarinet.



I highly recommend this CD."

Pleasing Concerto Selection of Great Bassoon

rodboomboom | Dearborn, Michigan United States | 10/25/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Popov and the Russian State Symphony Orchestra led by Valeri Polyansky provide significant bassoon concerto program from three composers: Mozart, Weber and Hummel.



While familiar with the Mozart piece, not so with the latter two, but delighted to bring them into the collection. The Weber is truly lilty and bouncy in the Rondo of the Concerto, Op. 75 which tickles the listening ear with bouncy and playful sequences, bursting into true delight with Orchestra!



The Hummmel equally is enjoyable and interesting in his influence by Mozart, as he studied under him. Amazing that this bassoon concerto went unpublished until 1957. It is very nice and evokes a refreshing "countryside" jaunt on a steady horse or such. A true pleasant three part concerto.



Popov is skilled as a phraser of passages, and is truly adept at the low-to-high movements, as well as quick tonguing articulations as well. The capabilities and range of this magnificent workforce of an instrument are showcased in this fine CD."

A favourite!

Ingrid | Norway | 02/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can't get tired of listening to this CD. I'm playing it again and again.

I love the sound of the bassoon played by Valeri Popov, the musicality and the virtuosity presented by him. It was almost like a revelation to hear him play. This is a CD I'm glad to have in my collection and I recommend it warmly to everybody that loves music and bassoon in particular."