Catalogue

Summary:

“Judith LeClair, principal bassoonist of the New York Philharmonic, valiantly manages in this anthology of chamber pieces to avoid the comical nasal quality that makes the bassoon a little showcased instrument” – The Independent

America’s leading lady of the bassoon, New York Philharmonic principal Judith LeClair, steps into the limelight with an awe-inspiring performance of virtuoso chamber works featuring her instrument’s distinctive qualities. Joined by two acclaimed American colleagues – Pittsburgh Symphony principal harpist Gretchen Van Hoesen, and eminent chamber pianist Jonathan Feldman – Judith offers a program of late 19th- and 20th-century works linked by French origins or traditions. Undoubtedly an important document for bassoonists, this is also a disc full of discoveries. From Roger Boutry’s modernist Interférences I and the Chopin-esque Andante and bravura Polonaise by the relatively obscure German bassoonist Ludvig Milde, to Bernard Andrès’ nostalgic Chants D’arriere-Saison (“Songs of a Season Past”), Camille Saint-Saëns’ magical Sonata and Reinhold Glière’s irresistible encore Humoresque¸ Judith LeClair and friends are sure to keep the bassoon to the fore.

Tracklist:

ROGER BOUTRY (b. 1932)
1. Interfences I (9:02)

BERNARD ANDRÈS (b. 1941)
2– 8. Chants D’arriere-Saison (18:05)*

CAMILLE SAINT-SAËNS (1835–1921)
9–11. Sonata (12:35)

LUDWIG MILDE (1849–1913)
12–13. Andante and Rondo, Op. 25 (9:11)
14. Polonaise (7:14)

REINHOLD GLIÈRE (1875–1956)
15. Humoresque (2:19)

Total duration: 58:29

Judith LeClair, bassoon
Jonathan Feldman, piano
Gretchen Van Hoesen, harp*

Recorded February 2007 through June 2008 at Bicoastal Music, Ossining, NY
Produced, engineered and edited by Daryl Bornstein