In the world of music, the bassoon often stands out as a unique and versatile instrument. Thanks to the exceptional talents of skilled players, it has the power to create both classical and modern sounds. With their unique playing styles, bassoon players have transformed the way we perceive the bassoon, showcasing its beauty and adaptability across different musical genres.

Let’s explore more about the bassoon players who are truly innovators and have made significant contributions to both classical and contemporary music.

List of Bassoon Players

1: Bernard Garfield

Date of Birth: May 27, 1924, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.

Best Works:

• Mozart Sinfonia Concertante
• Mozart Bassoon Concerto
• Haydn Sinfonia Concertante
• Weber Andante e Rondo Ongarese

Accolades:

• Honorary Doctorate from the Curtis Institute of Music (2009)
• ARCM Diploma from the Royal College of Music (1945)

Known for his rich, resonant tone and technical mastery, Bernard Garfield‘s distinctive style in bassoon playing set him apart in the classical world, blending lyrical expressiveness with technical brilliance.

Furthermore, Garfield’s contributions to teaching at the Curtis Institute of Music and Temple University helped shape the careers of many prominent bassoonists. His compositions, including trios and quartets, furthered the repertoire for the bassoon, enhancing its role in chamber music.

2: Edward Elgar

Date of Birth: June 2, 1857, Worcestershire, England, UK

Date of Death: February 23, 1934

Best Works:

• The Wand of Youth
• Six Promenades
• Romance for Bassoon

Accolades:

• Knight Commander of the Victorian Order (K.C.V.O.)
• Master of the King’s Musick, Knighted by King Edward VII in 1904

Edward Elgar’s ability to blend deep emotion with complex structures earned him recognition, and his distinct style contributed significantly to orchestral and choral music. His rise through the rigid Victorian class system was marked by persistence, and his breakthrough came later in life with Enigma Variations.

Though initially underappreciated outside Britain, Elgar’s works eventually became pivotal in shaping modern classical music, particularly through his intricate compositions for symphony and concerto.

3: Klaus Thunemann

Date of Birth: April 19, 1937, Magdeburg, Germany

Best Works:

• Vivaldi Bassoon Concertos
• Mozart Bassoon Concerto

Accolades:

• Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (2006)

After initially studying piano, Klaus Thunemann’s journey into the bassoon began at 18. Despite the late start, he quickly made an impact, becoming principal bassoonist at the North German Radio Symphony Orchestra just six years later. Known for his refined technique and versatility, he recorded extensively for top classical labels such as Philips and Deutsche Grammophon. His teaching career at prestigious institutions further marked his contribution to the classical world.

4: Julie Price

Date of Birth: December 4, 1963, Bakewell, England

Best Works:

• Performance at the 2009 conference of the International Double Reed Society
• In the concert The Proud Bassoon, celebrating William Waterhouse

Trained at the University of Manchester and later at the Royal Northern College of Music, Julie Price quickly developed a reputation for her mastery of chamber music and solo performances.

Her technique and approach to the bassoon, characterized by precision and emotional depth, earned her recognition within the music community. Today, she is best known for her contributions to chamber music, where her playing style has left a significant mark on audiences and fellow musicians alike.

5: Illinois Jacquet

Date of Birth: October 30, 1922, Louisiana, U.S.

Date of Death: July 22, 2004, New York, U.S.

Best Works:

• Battle Of The Saxes
• Illinois Jacquet: Collates
• Jazz By Jacquet

Accolades:

• First Jazz Musician to be an Artist-in-Residence (Harvard University)

Illinois Jacquet’s transition to the bassoon in the 1960s came after an illustrious career as a saxophonist. Renowned for his collaborations with jazz artists like Count Basie and Lionel Hampton, Jacquet infused his distinctive honking saxophone sound into the world of bassoon, creating a rare and innovative fusion in jazz.

As one of the few jazz musicians to embrace the bassoon, Jacquet continued to innovate with his own band, formed in 1983, where he showcased his bassoon skills to audiences worldwide. His profound legacy in jazz continues to influence musicians across genres, making him one of the renowned bassoon players.

6: Rainn Wilson

Date of Birth: January 20, 1966, Seattle, Washington, U.S.

Best Works:

• Wilson’s promotional work for his book The Bassoon King (2015)

Accolades:

• Audible Audiobook of the Year Award (2015) for The Bassoon King
• Best Memoir Award from Publishers Weekly for The Bassoon King

Though Rainn Wilson built his career in acting, he never fully left the bassoon behind. He revived his bassoon skills while promoting his book The Bassoon King in 2015 and humorously incorporated them into TV appearances. Wilson’s style was more comedic than classical, marked by his notorious bassoon-smashing stunt on television, blending music with entertainment. His lighthearted, unconventional take on the instrument set him apart, introducing bassoon to a broader audience through humor and media.

7: Sir Mark Elder

Date of Birth: June 2, 1947, Hexham, Northumberland, England

Best Works:

Sir Mark Elder has recorded for the following record labels:

• Hyperion
• NMC
• Chandos
• Opera Rara
• Glyndebourne

Accolades:

• Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
• Olivier Award
• Royal Philharmonic Society Conductor Prize
• Knighted in 2008,
• Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH)

Sir Mark Elder’s journey into the world of music began as a boy chorister, leading him to transition from singing to the bassoon due to struggles in his vocal development. His unique conducting style blends a deep understanding of orchestral textures with an ability to inspire musicians.

His emphasis on accessibility and engagement in classical music, alongside a passion for opera, has significantly impacted the genre. Elder’s acclaimed leadership has not only elevated orchestral standards but also fostered a love for music across diverse audiences.

8: Rachel Gough

Best Works:

• Principal Bassoon of the London Symphony Orchestra
• Recordings with the BBC Symphony Orchestra
• Contributions to wind chamber music of Debussy, Saint-Saëns, and Ravel.

Accolades:

• Gold medal at the Royal Over-Seas League Annual Music Competition
• Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music.

Renowned for her expressive tone and technical prowess, Gough’s performances stand out in orchestral settings and chamber music alike. Her versatility across genres and settings, combined with her tenure as Principal Bassoon of the London Symphony Orchestra since 1999, has made her a prominent figure in the classical music world.

Gough’s unique style not only brings life to orchestral performances but also enhances the depth of chamber music, influencing both audiences and aspiring musicians. Her appearances in notable productions like Inspector Morse and Pride and Prejudice further highlight her talent and versatility.

9: Martin Gatt

Date of Birth: 1937, Aberdeen

Best Works:

• Principal bassoonist with the London Philharmonic Orchestra
• Raiders of the Lost Ark

Martin Gatt’s journey into bassoon began at the Royal College of Music, where he studied under Archie Camden. Renowned for his expressive and refined playing style, Gatt became a leading figure in British classical music, showcasing versatility across various orchestras. His extensive experience as a principal bassoonist in prestigious ensembles, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra and London Symphony Orchestra, established his reputation as a master of the instrument.

Gatt’s contributions to music education are significant; he founded the Department of Wind, Brass, and Percussion at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, shaping the next generation of musicians.

His work as a teacher, alongside his participation in masterclasses and competitions, underscores his commitment to the bassoon’s legacy and future.

10: Gustavo Nunez

Date of Birth: February 15, 1965, Montevideo, Uruguay

Best Works:

• Served as the Principal bassoon of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
• Held the position of principal bassoonist of the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra (from 1989 to 1995).

Accolades:

• First prize in the Carl Maria von Weber Competition in Munich

Gustavo Núñez‘s journey into the world of bassoon began in Venezuela, where he was influenced by his father’s musicianship. Transitioning from violin to bassoon, he developed a distinctive style characterized by rich tone and technical precision, earning recognition as one of the foremost bassoonists of his generation. His significant contributions to the classical music scene include serving as the principal bassoonist for the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra since 1995. He has showcased his expertise globally, giving masterclasses and solo performances across continents, making marks among top bassoon players.