Gabriel Pierné

Solo de Concert op. 35

Gabriel Pierné (1863-1937) was a French composer, conductor and organist. Despite being predominantly remembered as a conductor, his Concert Solo remains a recognised piece in the Bassoon repertoire. Pierné studied at the Paris Conservatoire before taking up the position of chief conductor for the concert series, Concerts Colonne in 1910. He remained in the post until 1933, and during this time, he notably conducted the world premiere of Igor Stravinsky's The Firebird. Pierné composed for a variety of instruments, Concert Solo for Bassoon being one of four solo works by the composer. This Pierné piece for Bassoon contains many characteristics typical of the French style, such as significant tempo changes and performance directions, flourishes of semiquavers, chromaticism and many alterations in dynamics. Concert Solo is a varied piece essential to the repertoire of aspiring bassoonists.