Fantasies for Bassoon
Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828)
Sonata in A minor, D821 'Arpeggione' (arr. based on
version for cello and piano by Bernhard Günther [24:29]
Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943)
Vocalise, Op. 34 (arr. based on version for piano and cello,
ed. Raphael Wallfisch) [6:29]
Gustav SCHRECK (1849-1918)
Sonata in E flat major, Op. 9 [15:50]
Louis SPOHR (1784-1859)
Adagio in F major (arr. Johannes Wojciechowski) [5:53]
Edward ELGAR (1857-1934)
Salut d'amour, Op. 12 (arr. based on composer’s version for
cello and piano) [2:56]
Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856)
Fantasiestücke, Op. 73 (arr. based on version for cello and piano
by Friedrich Grützmacher) [10:31]
Karen Geoghegan (bassoon), Philip Edward Fisher (piano)
rec. 11-12 April 2011, Potton Hall, Dunwich, Suffolk, UK
CHANDOS CHAN 10703 [66:45]
Bassoonist Karen Geoghegan is new to me, but I see she’s recorded five other
discs for Chandos, as well as embarking on a busy concert career. As for her
pianist, Philip Edward Fisher, he’s perhaps better known as a concert soloist
than as an accompanist, although it doesn’t take long to realise he’s a most
thoughtful and discreet partner; only once or twice does he draw attention
to himself – quite legitimately, I hasten to add – with some bravura playing.
And a quick sample of this CD suggests the sound is well up to the standards
of the house. Factor in exhaustive – but very readable – liner-notes and you
have a good quality package that promises much.
This talented duo certainly deliver, with a range of works adapted for bassoon
and piano; only the Schreck sonata was written for this pairing. Schubert’s
Arpeggione Sonata – its subtitle derives from the short-lived cello-guitar
hybrid for which it was intended – is a most attractive opener. After Fisher’s
warm, lyrical introduction Geoghegan’s firm, well-rounded tones are an absolute
delight. Articulation is precise, and her playing is full of character and
strength; her long, liquid lines are especially alluring. Fisher acquits himself
well too, the balance between piano and bassoon entirely natural.
The programme is well chosen with Rachmaninov’s highly wrought Vocalise
shifting to the bassoon’s higher registers. That said, there’s no hint of
pinched tone and Geoghegan very much in control of the instrument. By contrast,
the Schreck piece seems to offer the best of both worlds, combining lyricism
with a darkly tempestuous piano part. This is one instance where the focus
shifts away from the bassoon; but there’s no sense that Fisher is grandstanding,
for Schreck’s writing is pretty florid anyway. It’s still a well-behaved partnership.
The music-making is both easeful and eloquent; in short, an ideal combination
of virtues.
After all that Sturm und Drang the more classically-shaped Adagio
by Spohr – an arrangement of the slow movement of his Sonata concertante,
Op. 115, for violin and harp – offers some respite. Geoghegan’s sustained
notes and trills are always assured and the velvet tactility of her bassoon
is very well caught by the Chandos team. This is easy listening in the very
best sense, of relaxing in the company of fine musicians out to beguile and
entertain, which they do in equal measure. There’s a delightful buoyancy to
Salut d’amour. The strength and individuality of the players ensures
that one stays engaged to the very end. Indeed, the rapt close of the Elgar
is simply ravishing. I found myself making liberal use of the repeat button.
It really isn’t hard to see why Geoghegan has won so many distinguished prizes,
for this is playing of an exalted order.
The disc rounds off with a broad, passionate account of the Schumann Fantasiestücke.
In this both players are at their rippling, surging best. Once again Fisher
makes the most of his emphatically written part, giving a tantalising glimpse
of his power as a soloist. For much of this piece I was reminded of Gerald
Moore’s lieder accompaniment which, while mostly a model of discretion,
is apt to astound with its unexpected insights.
Gorgeous, a balm for the heart and soul.
Dan Morgan
http://twitter.com/mahlerei
Gorgeous, a balm for the heart and soul.
See also review by Carla Rees