Gabriel Pierné

Solo de Concert for Bassoon op. 35

Henri Pierné (1863 - 1937) was a French composer, conductor, and organist. Gabriel Pierné has been called the most complete French musician of the late Romantic/early twentieth century era. Pierné wrote several operas and choral and symphonic pieces, as well as a good deal of chamber music. His most famous composition is probably the oratorio 'La Croisade des Enfants'. For a competition in 1898 he wrote 'Solo de Concert' for Bassoon and Piano. It is in three sections - a dramatic opening section followed by a lyrical, cantabile middle section and concluding with a brilliant coda. This superb work was intended as a solo recital piece but also can make a superb encore. Originally it was written for Bassoon with Piano accompaniment but in 1920 'Evette & Schaeffer' also published a version for Bassoon and a (small) Orchestra. Swiss arranger Gregory Heiniger transcribed this version of 'Solo de Concert' for Bassoon and (small) Symphonic Band. The arranger dedicated the transcription to Stephan Gräub, who was a great musician and friend.