Kuuskmann, Martin: Nonstop

Martin Kuuskmann, the renowned Estonian bassoonist, presents a captivating collection of solo and accompanied works in his album "Nonstop," released on September 28, 2010, under Estonian Record Productions. This album is a testament to Kuuskmann's virtuosic skill and versatility, featuring a diverse range of compositions that span from Baroque to contemporary classical music.

The album begins with Johann Sebastian Bach's Partita in A Minor, BWV 1013, arranged for bassoon, showcasing Kuuskmann's ability to interpret and perform intricate Baroque music with precision and elegance. The Partita is followed by Luciano Berio's challenging Sequenza XII, a modernist piece that demands exceptional technical prowess and expressive depth.

Estonian composer Arvo Pärt's Spiegel im Spiegel, arranged for bassoon and piano, offers a moment of introspective beauty, highlighting Kuuskmann's ability to convey profound emotion through his instrument. The album also includes the world premiere recording of the Bassoon Sonata by another Estonian composer, Erkki-Sven Tüür, a four-movement work that exemplifies contemporary compositional techniques and provides a thrilling display of Kuuskmann's virtuosity.

Additionally, the album features arrangements of works by other notable composers, such as Astor Piazzolla's Song for a Distant Friend, and pieces from Heitor Villa-Lobos' 4 Choros and Lullabies, arranged for bassoon and piano. These arrangements demonstrate Kuuskmann's ability to adapt and perform music from various genres and styles with equal mastery.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 12 minutes, "Nonstop" offers a rich and engaging listening experience, showcasing Martin Kuuskmann's extraordinary talent and the wide-ranging possibilities of the bassoon. Whether you're a fan of classical music or simply appreciate exceptional musical performances, this album is sure to impress and delight.