Echoes of Celestial Arias - The Bassoon's Harmonious Journey Through Adaptation

Abstract

This performance dissertation examines the potential of musical expression and technical skills on bassoon through a series of arrangements for the instrument. Each program features original works in addition to vocal and other instrumental works that were transcribed for bassoon. The works performed and discussed in this document include: Steven Dibner’s arrangement of Fantasia di Bravura on motives of Donizetti’s La Figlia del Reggimento; William Winstead’s First Operatic Anthology and arrangement of Carmen Fantasy; Antonio Torriani’s Divertimento on various themes from Lucie de Lammermoor; John Steinmetz’s Suite from an Imaginary Opera; J.S. Bach’s Sonata for Viola de gamba, BWV 1029 and his Oboe Concerto BWV 1053r; Maurice Allard’s Variation on a theme by Paganini (Capriccio 24); Fritz Kreisler’s Liebesleid and Liebesfreud; Johannes Brahms’ Sonata for Piano and Violoncello in E minor, op. 38; C.P.E. Bach’s Cello Sonata in A minor, H. 432; and G.F. Handel’s Trio Sonata in G minor, HWV 393.