Embark on a captivating journey through the 20th century with Laurence Perkins and his bassoon on the album "Voyage of a Sea-God: The Bassoon Through the 20th Century." Released on July 2, 2021, under the Hyperion label, this chamber music collection spans an impressive 2 hours and 24 minutes, offering a rich and diverse exploration of the bassoon's versatility and expressive power.
Laurence Perkins, a renowned bassoonist, curates a compelling program that showcases the instrument's evolution and its prominent role in various musical contexts. The album features a mix of sonatas, concertos, and incidental music, each piece meticulously crafted to highlight the bassoon's unique timbre and technical capabilities.
From the playful "Scherzo humoristique for 4 Bassoons" to the dramatic "Incidental Music from Macbeth," Perkins navigates through a wide range of emotions and styles. The album also includes works by notable composers, providing a historical and cultural backdrop to the bassoon's journey.
Highlights include the intricate "Bassoon Sonata in G Major, Op. 168" by Camille Saint-Saëns, the hauntingly beautiful "Threnody and Scherzo," and the virtuosic "Bassoon Concerto" by Gordon Jacob. Each piece is performed with Perkins' characteristic precision and artistry, offering listeners a deep appreciation for the bassoon's expressive range.
"Voyage of a Sea-God" is not just a collection of pieces but a testament to the bassoon's enduring appeal and its significant contributions to classical music. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this album promises an enriching and enjoyable listening experience.
Introduction & AllegroRichard Henry Walthew, Laurence Perkins, Michael Hancock
Scherzo humoristique for 4 Bassoons, Op. 12aSergei Prokofiev, Catriona McDermid, Amy Thompson, Matthew Kitteringham, Laurence Perkins
Bassoon Sonata in G Major, Op. 168: I. Allegretto moderatoCamille Saint-Saëns, Michael Hancock, Laurence Perkins
Bassoon Sonata in G Major, Op. 168: II. Allegro scherzandoCamille Saint-Saëns, Laurence Perkins, Michael Hancock
Bassoon Sonata in G Major, Op. 168: III. Molto adagio – Allegro moderatoCamille Saint-Saëns, Michael Hancock, Laurence Perkins
Incidental Music from Macbeth: I. LamentGranville Bantock, Laurence Perkins, Amy Thompson, Catriona McDermid
Incidental Music from Macbeth: II. Dance of the WitchesGranville Bantock, Matthew Kitteringham, Laurence Perkins, Catriona McDermid
Threnody and Scherzo: I. ThrenodyArnold Bax, Michael Escreet, Susie Mészáros, Laurence Perkins, Carducci String Quartet, Eira Lynn Jones
Threnody and Scherzo: II. ScherzoArnold Bax, Susie Mészáros, Michael Escreet, Laurence Perkins, Eira Lynn Jones, Carducci String Quartet
Bassoon Sonata: I. Leicht bewegtPaul Hindemith, Laurence Perkins, Michael Hancock
Bassoon Sonata: II. Langsam – Marsch – PastoralePaul Hindemith, Laurence Perkins, Michael Hancock
Quartettino for 4 Bassoons: I. OstinatoWilliam Schuman, Matthew Kitteringham, Laurence Perkins, Catriona McDermid, Amy Thompson
Quartettino for 4 Bassoons: II. NocturneWilliam Schuman, Matthew Kitteringham, Laurence Perkins, Catriona McDermid, Amy Thompson
Quartettino for 4 Bassoons: III. ValseWilliam Schuman, Matthew Kitteringham, Laurence Perkins, Catriona McDermid, Amy Thompson
Quartettino for 4 Bassoons: IV. FughettaWilliam Schuman, Amy Thompson, Catriona McDermid, Laurence Perkins, Matthew Kitteringham
Sarabande et Cortège: I. SarabandeHenri Dutilleux, Laurence Perkins, Michael Hancock
Sarabande et Cortège: II. CortègeHenri Dutilleux, Michael Hancock, Laurence Perkins
Minuet "Grace for a Fresh Egg"Herbert Howells, Michael Hancock, Laurence Perkins
Concertino for Bassoon and String Orchestra: I. ModeratoElizabeth Maconchy, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Laurence Perkins, William Goodchild
Concertino for Bassoon and String Orchestra: II. Lento espressivo, intimoElizabeth Maconchy, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Laurence Perkins, William Goodchild
Concertino for Bassoon and String Orchestra: III. Presto giocosoElizabeth Maconchy, Laurence Perkins, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, William Goodchild
Caliban and Ariel: I. CalibanAlan Ridout, Laurence Perkins
Caliban and Ariel: II. ArielAlan Ridout, Laurence Perkins
Bassoon Concerto: I. Prologo –Andrzej Panufnik, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Laurence Perkins, William Goodchild
Bassoon Concerto: II. Recitativo I –Andrzej Panufnik, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Laurence Perkins, William Goodchild
Bassoon Concerto: III. Recitativo IIAndrzej Panufnik, Laurence Perkins, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, William Goodchild
Bassoon Concerto: IV. Aria –Andrzej Panufnik, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Laurence Perkins, William Goodchild
Bassoon Concerto: V. Cadenza –Andrzej Panufnik, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Laurence Perkins, William Goodchild
Bassoon Concerto: VI. Adagio lamentoso –Andrzej Panufnik, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Laurence Perkins, William Goodchild
Bassoon Concerto: VII. EpilogoAndrzej Panufnik, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, William Goodchild, Laurence Perkins
Bassoon Sonata: I. ModeratoRichard Rodney Bennett, Laurence Perkins, Michael Hancock
Bassoon Sonata: II. ForlanaRichard Rodney Bennett, Laurence Perkins, Michael Hancock
Bassoon Sonata: III. Molto allegro – AndanteRichard Rodney Bennett, Michael Hancock, Laurence Perkins
Dreams of Stac PollaidhDavid Bedford, Laurence Perkins
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