Going Solo: Bassoon: Bassoon & Piano Book

This collection pairs recognizable, melodically engaging works with practical piano accompaniments that keep the focus on the soloist without overwhelming rehearsal time. Sheen's selections move seamlessly between baroque charm and romantic warmth, giving bassoonists genuine solo literature rather than transcriptions that feel like afterthoughts.

A confident stroll through centuries of melody. The music ranges from the rollicking good humor of Handel's jig and the atmospheric exoticism of Rimsky-Korsakov to the intimate character piece of Satie, all written in a way that lets the bassoon sing naturally without contrivance.

Intermediate to early advanced bassoonists (roughly grades 3-4) looking to build a recital or solo competition repertoire beyond method book exercises. This book works equally well for students preparing for all-state auditions or those seeking confident encore material for student recitals.

• Shape the Handel with dance-like articulation; let the jig's rhythmic character emerge from crisp, bouncy attacks rather than smooth legato.
• In Grieg's mountain theme, resist the urge to rush the climactic phrase; anchor the tempo with the pianist and let the drama build gradually.
• Balance vibrato carefully in the Rimsky-Korsakov excerpt. The exotic harmony works best when the solo line sits clearly above the accompaniment without excessive ornamentation.
• Make the Bartok's folk-like melody the emotional center; the piano's modern harmonies frame rather than compete with the bassoon's voice.

Draw from these pieces throughout the year as solo repertoire for recital programs or as performance opportunities in chamber concerts. The shorter selections work perfectly as student demonstrations in school assemblies, while the fuller movements suit formal recital programming.

• Stylistic clarity across baroque, romantic, and early modern idioms
• Sustained melodic phrasing over eight to sixteen measures
• Dynamic control in climactic passages without sacrificing pitch security
• Collaboration with pianists in ensemble balance and timing
• Reading both traditional and contemporary harmonic contexts