Concerto in F Major - BSN/PN

Concerto in F Major
for bassoon and piano
by Gotthelf Heinrich Kummer (1774-1857) - German composer and bassoonist

Edited by Trevor Cramer with a piano reduction by Trevor Cramer. 

Little is known about bassoonist and composer Gotthelf Heinrich Kummer (1774-1857). He is remembered today for his Trios for bassoons, op. 11 and op. 13. he wrote at least 13 concerti for bassoon and orchestra, six sets of variations for bassoon and orchestra, and a considerable oeuvre of chamber music. Nearly all is lost of forgotten. 

The current edition of his Concerto in F Major is one of the thirteen he wrote for the instrument. There is uncertainty by the publisher as to the number of this concerto, hence only the key is listed. However, it certainly comes from the early part of the 19th Century. Most of his works can only be found in manuscript. Such was the case with the Concerto in F Major, available here for the first time in a modern engraved edition. 

All of Kummer's dynamics and articulations have been retained. Any articulations, accidentals, or dynamics required for consistency have been added without comment. However, the bassoonist will surely want to add his or her own articulations as the solo part requires substantial personalization. 

In researching performances of this specific concerto, it is probably safe to say that it has not had any public performances for the past 200 years. It is a contemporary composition of Weber's oft-performed Concerto op. 75 (from 1811, revised 1812) and shares similarities in design, format, and creativity. The second movement, "Romanze" is a naive and charming little song, whereas the outer movements call for a more facile technique with challenging technical passages contrasted by tuneful melodic lines, all with a tasteful accompaniment in the orchestra (or piano). 

This piece is also available for bassoon and orchestra HERE.