The Galant Bassoon

01/08/2009
Kate Rockstrom
Readings Monthly (Australia)

Gentle lyricism opens the first track of this new CD from Melba records, and shows the virtuosity of bassoonist Matthew Wilkie. He is skilfully accompanied by Neal Peres Da Costa on harpsichord and Kees Boersma on continuo double bass. Consisting mainly of transcriptions of Baroque works, Wilkie brings a new light to these oft played pieces. Especially of note is the transcription of the solo flute Sonata in D minor Wq. 132 by C. P. E. Bach, which allows all registers of the bassoon a chance to show off and Bach’s contrapuntal compositional style to shine.