Bassoon on record: wind instruments on historical recordings

Abstract

Early recordings are important sources for reconstructing performance practice, but solo examples for wind instruments such as the bassoon are scarce. Orchestral and operatic recordings nevertheless preserve numerous bassoon passages that reveal historical approaches to technique and interpretation. The article surveys solo performances and shorter ensemble excerpts in which the bassoon is audible without occupying a solo role. Combining these materials broadens the evidence available for studying past practices and avoids restricting research to rare solo pieces, thereby providing a fuller understanding of the bassoon’s recorded voice and changing performance traditions.