Johann Baptist Wanhal: Double Bassoon Concerto in F Major (17XX)

00:00 - I. Allegro moderato
13:09 - II. Andante grazioso
19:27 - III. Finale: Allegro
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Bassoons: Luc Loubry & François Baptiste
Conductor: Hans Rotman
Orchestra: The Prussian Chamber Orchestra
Year of Recording: 2017
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"Vaňhal was born in Bohemia, but spent most of his life in Vienna. He was extremely prolific, having written between 75 and 100 symphonies, depending upon one's source, and there are at least 700 of his works in print. His music was respected enough that Mozart performed his violin concerto in B-flat at Augsburg, and Haydn performed one of his symphonies at Eszterhàza a year later.

This work is in three movements, the first of which is almost as long as the other two combined. All three are in sonata form, that is, in three sections: exposition, development, and recapitulation. The theme or themes are presented in the exposition, then they are developed, and finally any key changes used are reconciled in the recapitulation. That is a loose description of "sonata form" and well-describes this work.

Sonata form was customarily used during the Classical period for sonatas, symphonies, and concertos. In a concerto, it is usual for the orchestra to rest for a bit to allow the soloist to improvise. Often this "improvisation" is actually the work of the composer, but, in such cases, the music has the character of improvisation. There is such a moment at about eleven minutes into the first movement.

The three movements are designated as Allegro moderato, Andante grazioso, and Finale. If this music appeals to you, it should be pointed out that the composer's name appears in several different ways, so you must be careful in purchasing a recording. He is known as "van Hal," "Vanhall," "Wanhal," and his given names are similarly varied." (James Adams)
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