Martin Kuuskmann - Theofanidis, Hummel & Mozart: Bassoon Concertos (2015)

The marquee attraction here is the Bassoon Concerto of American composer Christopher Theofanidis, a Grammy-nominated work (Best Contemporary Classical Composition). Since it was recorded here by Estonian-American bassoonist Martin Kuuskmann, it has spawned a second recording, also with Kuuskmann on the bassoon, but with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra under Kirk Trevor. Here the concertos by Hummel and Mozart, and the brief encore-like work by Tõnu Kõrvits, feature the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra. The fact that the work has already been recorded twice is notable, and it's interesting how different Kuuskmann's performance is in each case. You can basically take your pick. Here the Theofanidis, with its rather violent outer movements framing a slow movement influenced by Greek Orthodox chant, is done with more of a virtuosic edge, and for the remainder of the album you get clean, sharp performances of repertory concertos by Hummel and Mozart: the one of the Mozart Bassoon Concerto in B flat major, K. 191, seems almost to make more of the work than is actually there. With the Indianapolis recording, you get a selection instead of contemporary American works that, like the Theofanidis concerto, are accessible and original, but are not for bassoon. Actually you could obtain both recordings and not really duplicate your purchases, but either one is recommended.

Tracklist:
01. Martin Kuuskmann - I. alone, inward (9:00)
02. Martin Kuuskmann - II. beautiful (6:22)
03. Martin Kuuskmann - III. threatening, fast (6:04)
04. Martin Kuuskmann - I. Allegro moderato (10:39)
05. Martin Kuuskmann - II. Romanza: Andantino e cantabile (5:47)
06. Martin Kuuskmann - III. Rondo: Vivace (7:29)
07. Martin Kuuskmann - I. Allegro (6:52)
08. Martin Kuuskmann - II. Andante ma adagio (6:18)
09. Martin Kuuskmann - III. Rondo: Tempo di menuetto (4:36)
10. Martin Kuuskmann - Puudutus (Touch) (arr. M. Kuuskmann for bassoon) (3:47)