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Track(s) taken from CDA68441

Andante and Scherzo

composer
1991

Laurence Perkins (bassoon), Catriona McDermid (bassoon), Matthew Kitteringham (bassoon), Amy Thompson (bassoon)
Studio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available
CD-Quality:
Studio Master:
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Studio Master:
Recording details: April 2022
Concert Hall, Wyastone Estate, Monmouth, United Kingdom
Produced by Andrew Keener
Engineered by Oscar Torres
Release date: May 2025
Total duration: 5 minutes 55 seconds

Cover artwork: Cover illustration by Ghislaine Howard (b1953)
Photo © Adrian Lambert
 

Reviews

‘Few people have done more than Laurence Perkins to promote the bassoon … do invest in this delightful little disc. Hours of fascinating listening await’ (The Mail on Sunday)» More

‘An entertaining and enlightening recital, planned with insight and executed with aplomb’ (Gramophone)

‘There is a sense of palpable enjoyment running through this appealing new album from leading British bassoonist Laurence Perkins  an altogether entertaining album, where everything from Perkins's thoughtful programming to his spirited performances and perceptive programme notes feel rooted in a terrific enthusiasm for the instrument’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘It’s a wonderful showcase for the instrument in all its guises—comic, serious, balletic—including a piece by Ruth Gipps called Honey-coloured cow, which is the title of the album and includes a ‘moo’ … compulsory for bassoonists, but sheer delight for anyone else’ (BBC Record Review)

‘This album aims to show you all the varying, miraculous colours and tones you can get from a bassoon … my pick for this week. It is just delightful from start to finish; it has a sense of humour because Laurence Perkins … is obviously a legend and knows how to have fun … go and listen to Hyperion's new album Honey-coloured cow!’ (ABC Classic, Australia)

‘This CD is another very successful piece of work from Laurence Perkins who has always remained individual and characterful. The playing is full of commitment and I recommend it highly. The recording quality from the Hyperion team at the wonderful Wyastone Concert Hall is excellent throughout’ (Double Reed News)» More
Born in Albania in 1958, Thomas Simaku is now a British citizen, and is Professor of Composition at the University of York. He moved to the UK in 1991, and this Andante and Scherzo was one of the first pieces he wrote in Britain, composed for the Yorkshire bassoonists who befriended and supported him at that time. Although entirely original, the music is imbued with the modal and often spicy language of Albanian folk melodies, with very distinct harmonies and rhythms. Simaku admits that since then his compositional style has changed significantly, but this folk-inspired gem, beautifully voiced with superb use of the instrument’s resonances and colours, remains a very special work in the bassoon ensemble repertoire.

from notes by Laurence Perkins © 2025

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