Matthew Wilkie, Neal Peres Da Costa, Kees Boersma - The Galant Bassoon (2009) [Hi-Res]

The bassoon comes out of the closet! The Galant Bassoon is a remarkable journey with three musicians of international acclaim as they rescue this reserved member of the woodwind section and place it, deservedly, in the spotlight. Virtuoso bassoonist from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Matthew Wilkie, showcases the colour and brilliance of his instrument in a sparkling and sophisticated collaboration with harpsichordist Neal Peres Da Costa and double bassist Kees Boersma.

A generous selection of six chamber pieces by JS Bach, Telemann and CPE Bach – with their melodic exuberance, dance-like rhythms, consoling adagios and virtuosic flights of display – provide the perfect vehicle for the imagination and flair of these players.

For 20 years, Matthew Wilkie has been Principal Bassoon of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, frequently performing as soloist with them. Neal Peres Da Costa is recognised as an expert in early music performance while Kees Boersma is Principal Bass of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

The Galant Bassoon references the galant style, a change from much of the complexity and ornamentation of the Baroque to a simpler, more classical approach epitomised by Telemann, C.P.E. Bach and others in their compositions and by much of the music in this recital.