Album: Judith Leclair, Works For Bassoon (Avie)

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.

She opens with Roger Boutry's stealthy "Interférences I", and works backwards through Andrès and Saint-Saëns to Milde's lyrical "Andante and Rondo" and elegant "Polonaise for Bassoon and Piano". The most striking piece is Bernard Andrès' "Chants d'arrière-saison", in which the combination of bassoon and harp creates an enchanting mood of autumnal nostalgia.

Download this Chants d'arrière-saison; Interférences I; Polonaise for Bassoon and Piano