Embark on a captivating musical journey through the 20th century with Laurence Perkins' "Voyage of a Sea-God: The Bassoon Through the 20th Century." This meticulously curated 2-CD set, released on July 2, 2021, by Hyperion, showcases the extraordinary versatility of the bassoon through a diverse range of chamber music compositions. Spanning nearly two and a half hours, the album features 34 tracks that highlight the instrument's evolution and its role in reflecting the key historic events and social changes of the past century.
Laurence Perkins, a renowned bassoonist, teacher, and promoter, serves as an engaging guide throughout this musical odyssey. Beginning with Richard Henry Walthew's compositions from 1900 and concluding with David Bedford's works from 1999, the album presents a rich tapestry of often unfamiliar yet always captivating music. Perkins is joined by a stellar ensemble of musicians and ensembles, including the Carducci Quartet and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, ensuring a high standard of performance throughout.
The album has garnered critical acclaim, being named "Album of the Week" by The Times newspaper and reaching No. 4 in the U.K. Specialist Classical Charts. It features a variety of genres and styles, from the whimsical "Scherzo humoristique for 4 Bassoons" to the haunting "Lament" from the incidental music of Macbeth, and the virtuosic "Bassoon Concerto." Each piece is a testament to the bassoon's adaptability and the composers' ingenuity.
"Voyage of a Sea-God" is not just an album; it's a comprehensive exploration of the bassoon's role in 20th-century music. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this album offers a unique and enriching listening experience. The album's cover art, a painting by Ghislaine Howard, adds a visual dimension to the musical journey, inspired by the writings of Sacheverell Sitwell.
Introduction & AllegroRichard Henry Walthew, Laurence Perkins, Michael Hancock
Scherzo humoristique for 4 Bassoons, Op. 12aSergei Prokofiev, Catriona McDermid, Amy Thompson, Matthew Kitteringham, Laurence Perkins
Bassoon Sonata in G Major, Op. 168: I. Allegretto moderatoCamille Saint-Saëns, Michael Hancock, Laurence Perkins
Bassoon Sonata in G Major, Op. 168: II. Allegro scherzandoCamille Saint-Saëns, Laurence Perkins, Michael Hancock
Bassoon Sonata in G Major, Op. 168: III. Molto adagio – Allegro moderatoCamille Saint-Saëns, Michael Hancock, Laurence Perkins
Incidental Music from Macbeth: I. LamentGranville Bantock, Laurence Perkins, Amy Thompson, Catriona McDermid
Incidental Music from Macbeth: II. Dance of the WitchesGranville Bantock, Matthew Kitteringham, Laurence Perkins, Catriona McDermid
Threnody and Scherzo: I. ThrenodyArnold Bax, Michael Escreet, Susie Mészáros, Laurence Perkins, Carducci String Quartet, Eira Lynn Jones
Threnody and Scherzo: II. ScherzoArnold Bax, Susie Mészáros, Michael Escreet, Laurence Perkins, Eira Lynn Jones, Carducci String Quartet
Bassoon Sonata: I. Leicht bewegtPaul Hindemith, Laurence Perkins, Michael Hancock
Bassoon Sonata: II. Langsam – Marsch – PastoralePaul Hindemith, Laurence Perkins, Michael Hancock
Quartettino for 4 Bassoons: I. OstinatoWilliam Schuman, Matthew Kitteringham, Laurence Perkins, Catriona McDermid, Amy Thompson
Quartettino for 4 Bassoons: II. NocturneWilliam Schuman, Matthew Kitteringham, Laurence Perkins, Catriona McDermid, Amy Thompson
Quartettino for 4 Bassoons: III. ValseWilliam Schuman, Matthew Kitteringham, Laurence Perkins, Catriona McDermid, Amy Thompson
Quartettino for 4 Bassoons: IV. FughettaWilliam Schuman, Amy Thompson, Catriona McDermid, Laurence Perkins, Matthew Kitteringham
Sarabande et Cortège: I. SarabandeHenri Dutilleux, Laurence Perkins, Michael Hancock
Sarabande et Cortège: II. CortègeHenri Dutilleux, Michael Hancock, Laurence Perkins
Minuet "Grace for a Fresh Egg"Herbert Howells, Michael Hancock, Laurence Perkins
Concertino for Bassoon and String Orchestra: I. ModeratoElizabeth Maconchy, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Laurence Perkins, William Goodchild
Concertino for Bassoon and String Orchestra: II. Lento espressivo, intimoElizabeth Maconchy, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Laurence Perkins, William Goodchild
Concertino for Bassoon and String Orchestra: III. Presto giocosoElizabeth Maconchy, Laurence Perkins, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, William Goodchild
Caliban and Ariel: I. CalibanAlan Ridout, Laurence Perkins
Caliban and Ariel: II. ArielAlan Ridout, Laurence Perkins
Bassoon Concerto: I. Prologo –Andrzej Panufnik, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Laurence Perkins, William Goodchild
Bassoon Concerto: II. Recitativo I –Andrzej Panufnik, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Laurence Perkins, William Goodchild
Bassoon Concerto: III. Recitativo IIAndrzej Panufnik, Laurence Perkins, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, William Goodchild
Bassoon Concerto: IV. Aria –Andrzej Panufnik, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Laurence Perkins, William Goodchild
Bassoon Concerto: V. Cadenza –Andrzej Panufnik, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Laurence Perkins, William Goodchild
Bassoon Concerto: VI. Adagio lamentoso –Andrzej Panufnik, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Laurence Perkins, William Goodchild
Bassoon Concerto: VII. EpilogoAndrzej Panufnik, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, William Goodchild, Laurence Perkins
Bassoon Sonata: I. ModeratoRichard Rodney Bennett, Laurence Perkins, Michael Hancock
Bassoon Sonata: II. ForlanaRichard Rodney Bennett, Laurence Perkins, Michael Hancock
Bassoon Sonata: III. Molto allegro – AndanteRichard Rodney Bennett, Michael Hancock, Laurence Perkins
Dreams of Stac PollaidhDavid Bedford, Laurence Perkins
Laurence Perkins is a distinguished British classical bassoonist renowned for his virtuosic performances and dedication to his craft. Born in Lancashire in 1954, Perkins honed his skills at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester under the tutelage of Charles Cracknell. His illustrious career spans over four decades, during which he served as the principal bassoonist of the Manchester Camerata from 1974 to 2017, performing at prestigious venues including the BBC Proms in London. Perkins has captivated audiences worldwide with his solo concerts and recordings, earning him the title of one of Britain's best-known solo bassoonists. Beyond his solo work, he is a passionate educator, leading bassoon events and chamber music courses across the UK, inspiring both amateur and professional musicians alike. His deep passion for classical music and the bassoon has made him a celebrated figure in the classical music scene.
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Laurence Perkins
