'More than ably partnered by Philip Fisher, Geoghegan is a spirited advocate of these gems. Her beautiful account of Jancourt's Nocturne typifies her combination of natural musicality and exquisite tone, while her vivacious approach to Pierné's Solo de concert and Bitsch's Concertino underline why, at 19, she is already a marvellous ambassador for the bassoon.' BBC Music Magazine
'Here is an exceptional young musician - technically highly accomplished and to whom lyrical, mellifluous playing seems to come as naturally as wit and charm - at long last raising the profile of the orchestra's Cinderella.' Gramophone
'She's only 20, but her agility and subtlety are already awesome. Who said the bassoon couldn't be lyrical? Some of the music has meat, too, such as Dutilleux's Sarabande et Cortège and the Koechlin Sonata. Philip Fisher's piano accompaniments are most adroit.' The Times
The most striking aspect of this record is the manner in which Karen Geoghegan's impeccable, witty phrasing and control highlight the under-appreciated variety and ingenuity with which French composers have written for the bassoon. Comprising work from 1800-1972 including Debussy, Faure, Koechlin, Pierne, Dutilleux as well as that of lesser-known composers such as Jancourt, Boutry and Bitsch, French Bassoon Work also contains the premier recordings of Jancourt's Nocturne (D'Apres John Field) and Debussy's piano preludes as arranged for piano and bassoon.
The rapport between Fisher and Geoghegan plays like a warm, good humoured conversation between friends with undeniable chemistry.
Credits
Bassoon: Karen Geoghegan
Piano: Philip Fisher
Producer/s: Rachel Smith
Sound engineer/s: Jonathon Cooper, Paul Quilter (assistant)
Recording: 14 and 15 November 2008, Potton Hall Studio, Westleton Suffolk