Voyage of a Sea-God: The Bassoon Through the 20th Century is a captivating exploration of the bassoon's evolution over a century, as interpreted by the renowned bassoonist Laurence Perkins. Released on July 2, 2021, this double album spans from 1900 to 1999, offering a chronological journey through 20th-century music composed for the bassoon. With a running time of 2 hours and 24 minutes, the album features 34 tracks, each showcasing the versatility and richness of the bassoon in various musical contexts.
Perkins, accompanied by the Carducci String Quartet and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, delves into a diverse range of compositions, from solo works to chamber pieces and concertos. The album begins with Richard Henry Walthew's Introduction & Allegro and concludes with David Bedford's Dreams of Stac Pollaidh, providing a comprehensive overview of the bassoon's role in classical music throughout the 20th century.
Voyage of a Sea-God is a testament to Laurence Perkins' virtuosity and his deep understanding of the bassoon's capabilities. The album is a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts, offering a unique perspective on the instrument's development and its place in the musical landscape of the past century. Whether you're a seasoned bassoon aficionado or a curious newcomer, this album promises an enriching and enjoyable listening experience.
Introduction & AllegroRichard Henry Walthew, Laurence Perkins, Michael Hancock
Scherzo humoristique for 4 Bassoons, Op. 12aSergei Prokofiev, Catriona McDermid, Amy Thompson, Matthew Kitteringham, Laurence Perkins
Bassoon Sonata in G Major, Op. 168: I. Allegretto moderatoCamille Saint-Saëns, Michael Hancock, Laurence Perkins
Bassoon Sonata in G Major, Op. 168: II. Allegro scherzandoCamille Saint-Saëns, Laurence Perkins, Michael Hancock
Bassoon Sonata in G Major, Op. 168: III. Molto adagio – Allegro moderatoCamille Saint-Saëns, Michael Hancock, Laurence Perkins
Incidental Music from Macbeth: I. LamentGranville Bantock, Laurence Perkins, Amy Thompson, Catriona McDermid
Incidental Music from Macbeth: II. Dance of the WitchesGranville Bantock, Matthew Kitteringham, Laurence Perkins, Catriona McDermid
Threnody and Scherzo: I. ThrenodyArnold Bax, Michael Escreet, Susie Mészáros, Laurence Perkins, Carducci String Quartet, Eira Lynn Jones
Threnody and Scherzo: II. ScherzoArnold Bax, Susie Mészáros, Michael Escreet, Laurence Perkins, Eira Lynn Jones, Carducci String Quartet
Bassoon Sonata: I. Leicht bewegtPaul Hindemith, Laurence Perkins, Michael Hancock
Bassoon Sonata: II. Langsam – Marsch – PastoralePaul Hindemith, Laurence Perkins, Michael Hancock
Quartettino for 4 Bassoons: I. OstinatoWilliam Schuman, Matthew Kitteringham, Laurence Perkins, Catriona McDermid, Amy Thompson
Quartettino for 4 Bassoons: II. NocturneWilliam Schuman, Matthew Kitteringham, Laurence Perkins, Catriona McDermid, Amy Thompson
Quartettino for 4 Bassoons: III. ValseWilliam Schuman, Matthew Kitteringham, Laurence Perkins, Catriona McDermid, Amy Thompson
Quartettino for 4 Bassoons: IV. FughettaWilliam Schuman, Amy Thompson, Catriona McDermid, Laurence Perkins, Matthew Kitteringham
Sarabande et Cortège: I. SarabandeHenri Dutilleux, Laurence Perkins, Michael Hancock
Sarabande et Cortège: II. CortègeHenri Dutilleux, Michael Hancock, Laurence Perkins
Minuet "Grace for a Fresh Egg"Herbert Howells, Michael Hancock, Laurence Perkins
Concertino for Bassoon and String Orchestra: I. ModeratoElizabeth Maconchy, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Laurence Perkins, William Goodchild
Concertino for Bassoon and String Orchestra: II. Lento espressivo, intimoElizabeth Maconchy, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Laurence Perkins, William Goodchild
Concertino for Bassoon and String Orchestra: III. Presto giocosoElizabeth Maconchy, Laurence Perkins, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, William Goodchild
Caliban and Ariel: I. CalibanAlan Ridout, Laurence Perkins
Caliban and Ariel: II. ArielAlan Ridout, Laurence Perkins
Bassoon Concerto: I. Prologo –Andrzej Panufnik, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Laurence Perkins, William Goodchild
Bassoon Concerto: II. Recitativo I –Andrzej Panufnik, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Laurence Perkins, William Goodchild
Bassoon Concerto: III. Recitativo IIAndrzej Panufnik, Laurence Perkins, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, William Goodchild
Bassoon Concerto: IV. Aria –Andrzej Panufnik, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Laurence Perkins, William Goodchild
Bassoon Concerto: V. Cadenza –Andrzej Panufnik, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Laurence Perkins, William Goodchild
Bassoon Concerto: VI. Adagio lamentoso –Andrzej Panufnik, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Laurence Perkins, William Goodchild
Bassoon Concerto: VII. EpilogoAndrzej Panufnik, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, William Goodchild, Laurence Perkins
Bassoon Sonata: I. ModeratoRichard Rodney Bennett, Laurence Perkins, Michael Hancock
Bassoon Sonata: II. ForlanaRichard Rodney Bennett, Laurence Perkins, Michael Hancock
Bassoon Sonata: III. Molto allegro – AndanteRichard Rodney Bennett, Michael Hancock, Laurence Perkins
Dreams of Stac PollaidhDavid Bedford, Laurence Perkins
Laurence Perkins is a distinguished British classical bassoonist renowned for his virtuosic performances and dedication to his craft. Born in Lancashire in 1954, Perkins honed his skills at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester under the tutelage of Charles Cracknell. His illustrious career spans over four decades, during which he served as the principal bassoonist of the Manchester Camerata from 1974 to 2017, performing at prestigious venues including the BBC Proms in London. Perkins has captivated audiences worldwide with his solo concerts and recordings, earning him the title of one of Britain's best-known solo bassoonists. Beyond his solo work, he is a passionate educator, leading bassoon events and chamber music courses across the UK, inspiring both amateur and professional musicians alike. His deep passion for classical music and the bassoon has made him a celebrated figure in the classical music scene.
Vinylscout
Laurence Perkins
