Avie: AV2181

Bassoonist extraordinaire Judith Leclair, principal of the New York Philharmonic, revels in the virtuosity of chamber works featuring her instrument.

The bassoon captured a remarkable degree of attention when it became one of the highlights of BBC 2’s Classical Star, thrusting the instrument into a rare solo spotlight. America’s leading lady of the bassoon, New York Philharmonic principal Judith Leclair, steps into the limelight with an awe-inspiring performance of virtuoso chamber works featuring her instrument’s distinctive qualities. Joined by two acclaimed American colleagues – Pittsburgh Symphony principal harpist Gretchen Van Hoesen, and eminent chamber pianist Jonathan Feldman – Judith offers a programme of late 19th- and 20th-century works linked by French origins or traditions. Undoubtedly an important document for bassoonists, this is also a disc full of discoveries. From Roger Boutry’s modernist Interférences I and the Chopin-esque Andante and bravura Polonaise by the relatively obscure German bassoonist Ludvig Milde, to Bernard Andrès’ nostalgic Chants D’arriere-Saison (“Songs of a Season Past”), Camille Saint-Saëns’ magical Sonata and Reinhold Glière’s irresistible encore Humoresque¸ Judith Leclair and friends are sure to keep the bassoon to the fore.