French Bassoon Works Bitsch: Concertino (1948) Boutry: Interférences for bassoon and piano Debussy: Préludes - Book 1: No. 12, Minstrels transcribed 1992 by B. Prorvich (from ‘Five Pieces’) - premiere recording The Little Shepherd (from Children’s Corner) transcribed 1992 by B. Prorvich (from ‘Five Pieces’) - premiere recording Golliwog’s Cakewalk (from Children’s Corner) transcribed 1992 by B. Prorvich (from ‘Five Pieces’) - premiere recording Dutilleux: Sarabande et Cortège (1942) Fauré: Pièce Transcribed by Fernand Oubradous Gallon: Récit et Allegro Grovlez: Sicilienne & Allegro Giocoso Jancourt: Nocturne (d'après John Field), Op. 124 premiere recording Koechlin: Bassoon Sonata, Op. 71 Pierné, G: Solo de concert, Op. 35 Tansman: Sonatina for bassoon and piano

Karen Geoghegan (bassoon) & Philip Fisher (piano) For the popular young bassoonist Karen Geoghegan this is her third recording with Chandos and aptly demonstrates the capabilities of the bassoon in this unique collection of French music, ably accompanied by Philip Fisher. BBC Music Magazine wrote of her first disc ‘Geoghegan has real expressive maturity too. Elgar’s Romance is heavenly and, as an encore, Gershwin’s Summertime deliciously dreamy, showing off a glorious tone, coloured with gentle restrained vibrato… Buy it and share in the fun.‘ Whilst Double Reed Society wrote, 'This is a marvellous start with which to launch one’s career. Karen should be congratulated on her achievement. I can truly say that I look forward to following her progression as she develops as a soloist and matures her style.’ This appealing collection of French compositions and arrangements for bassoon and piano not only illustrates the variety and ingenuity with which French composers have written for this neglected instrument, it also highlights the importance of the Paris Conservatoire and the role of the famous Prix du Rome in nurturing generation upon generation of gifted instrumentalists and composers. This set comprises works from 1800 through to 1972, and brings together the works of Debussy, Faure, Koechlin, Pierné, Dutilleux along with the lesser known composers of Jancourt, Boutry and Bitsch. Jancourt’s Nocturne (d’apres John Field) and Debussy’s Piano Preludes arranged for bassoon and piano here receive their premiere recordings.