Saint-Saëns: Bassoon Sonata in G major Op. 168

Accepted ideas are often persitent. Despite the many arguments for and against it, the basson's reputation remains that of a buffoon. But the bassoon is above all a lyrical instrument with a rich tone, warm and profoundly human. There is much wonderful music for solo bassoon in the symphonic and concerto repertoire, and it had been used to wonderful effect in a host of chamber-music works, from Mozart to Poulenc. The present selection of lesser-know works for bassoon and piano highlight the instrument at its "Romantic" best.