Paul Lewis – Little Suite (Bassoon & Piano) – Digital Download

This 'Little Suite' shows the solo instrument in various moods: good-naturedly bucolic in 'Country Tune', nostalgically heartfelt in 'Lullaby', and dashingly debonair in the 'Waltz'. 'Country Tune' is an imaginary folk song reminiscent of 'Morris Dance' and of the Somerset countryside where the piece was composed. 'Lullaby' is in effect a retrospective lullaby, a final singing to sleep of the childhood of the composer's daughter, who had recently undergone that mysterious metamorphosis from child to fascinating young woman, which must have been a source of wonder to fathers since time began. The suite ends with a bravura 'Waltz', a favourite dance form of the composer's. For secondary schools, colleges, conservatories and professionals.

Too little good music exists for this combination, and so its accessibility commends it to bassoonists. John Marson has given the personalities of the different registers plentiful scope to display their individualities in music with strong melodic content.