Mr Sheen's Miscellany For Bassoon was written for the Trinity Guildhall Examination Board syllabus. It is aimed principally at students of grades 1 to 5 and intended to combine technical challenges with that most vital musical ingredient: fun.Mr Sheen's Miscellany For Bassoon - Grade 1 contains three pieces for bassoon and piano by Graham Sheen.Polka-dots.There are three contrasting types of expression for the bassoonist here. The opening phrase is staccato which is followed (at bar 11) by a sustained counter melody. Finally (at bar 19) both these effects are combined in a second melody which needs very clear dynamicplaying.Monkey Puzzle.Sustaining the sound while re-articulating the notes is important in this piece. In other words the opening should be played almost slurred. Be aware of the changing harmonies underneath the held notes in the bassoon part.Serious Song.Long but separate notes contrast with real legato. The main theme is marked tenuto so full value for each note especially ending notes. Even the quavers aren't very short at this speed. Try to make the richest sound you can like for example a fine Russian baritone.

French composer and conductor Henri Tomasi (1901-1971) published Concerto for Bassoon in 1957. As with his other wind compositions Concerto for Bassoon was well-received by audiences. Tomasi was born in Marseille but his Father and Mother were originally from La Casinca in Corsica. Despite being pressured in to musical studies by his parents Tomasi dreamed of becoming a sailor and during the summer he stayed with his Grandmother in Corsica where he learnt traditional Corsican songs. However in 1921 he began his studies at the Paris Conservatoire and went on to become a high profile composerand conductor. Tomasi did not forget his Corsican routes often incorporating into his compositions themes of the songs he had learnt during the summers with his Grandmother. The Concerto for Bassoon is in three movements; 1) Andante and Allegro 2) Serenade Nocturne and 3) Final-Saltarelle. This Tomasi piece is suitable to advanced bassoonists providing an exciting alternative addition to the instrument's repertoire.

Hindemith’s Bassoon Sonata while hardly a popular work has attracted a fair amount of attention on the concert stage ad in the recording studio. Cast in two movements with the second containing three inner movements - Langsam Marsch and Beschluss Pastorale-Ruhig - the sonata is short lasting not quite ten minutes.The solo Bassoon part is also included on a separate insert.

As the title suggests this Sonatine by Alexandre Tchérepnin attempts to adapt the music to the surprise elements of sports. The Pianist in the first movement is portrayed as being 'defensive' while the Bassoon soloist is considered to be attacking the Piano much like Boxing. Movement two named Half-Time represents the rest that two players would be taking in the midst of a competition. Finally movement three - Race is in the form of a canon. The Bassoonist leads the race while the Pianist gradually closes the gap.

The first of an important new set of complete wind sonatas by Timothy Bowers. First performed by Bernadette Childs in three movements and constitutes a significant addition to the repertoire.