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The Galant Bassoon

18/07/2009
Otago Daily Times (NZ)
Geoff Adams

The sparkling disc revels in the ‘galant’ style, a change from the complexity and ornamentation of the Baroque to a simpler, more classical approach. ‘Galant’ is also an old spelling of gallant, meaning being attentive to women, and the virtuoso Australian soloist (with much overseas experience) shows how the sometimes lugubrious sound of the bassoon can be enchanting and mellifluous in two sonatas by J.S. Bach and one by C.P.E. Bach—and indeed frolicking and flirtatious in three by Telemann.

Assisted beautifully by harpsichord and double bass on most works, Wilkie performs one written originally for bassoon; the others are nice transcriptions from viola da gamba or flute.

Highlight: J.S. Bach’s charming ‘Largo e dolce’ in the BWV 1030 Sonata, follows the longest single movement he ever wrote.