Henle Verlag SAINT-saens C. - Sonate Pour Basson Op. 168
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Henle Verlag
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Summary of This Score
Following the Sonatas for oboe and piano and clarinet and piano, the Sonata for bassoon and piano concludes the wind instrument compositions written by Camille Saint-Saëns in 1921, the year of his death. The composer did not have time to complete the English horn sonata he had initially planned, making this bassoon sonata a pivotal piece, both a culmination and a testament to his unwavering taste for clarity, elegance, and spirit.
This work stands out for its humor and liveliness, while remaining technically accessible. It thus constitutes an excellent choice to enrich a recital program, work on phrasing and articulation in a decidedly classical language, and refine the chamber music balance between bassoon and piano. The writing highlights the instrument's singing quality, its colors, as well as rhythmic flexibility, without seeking showy virtuosity.
A revealing fact: Saint-Saëns acknowledged in a letter to his publisher that he consulted a method book to verify a passage in the high register, concerning the bassoon's range. Yet the work hardly suggests any unfamiliarity: the line is natural, idiomatic, and conceived to "speak" with ease. Trials conducted with Léon Letellier were met with great satisfaction from both the composer and the instrumentalist, confirming the musical and instrumental relevance of the sonata.
Finally, this publication offers an Urtext edition realized with consultation of the autograph, a major asset for performers seeking a reliable, clear score that respects the original text. An ideal choice for students, teachers, and musicians wishing to approach a landmark reference in the bassoon piano sonata repertoire.
Technical specifications
| Musical Genre | Classical | Publication | Sheet music |
| Composer | Camille Saint-Saëns | Genre | classical score (chamber music) |
| Instrumentation | bassoon and piano | Difficulty | technically undemanding |
Questions frequently asked
What is the difficulty level of Saint-Saëns' Bassoon Sonata op. 168?
The writing is described as not technically demanding, without a pursuit of demonstrative virtuosity.
Does the score include a piano part?
The instrumentation indicated is bassoon and piano. The sonata is conceived as a chamber music work, with a balance of interplay between the two parts.
Is this edition an Urtext?
The Henle edition is established as Urtext with consultation of Camille Saint-Saëns' autograph. The musical text thus aims at respecting the original sources. The presentation is intended to provide a clear score for performers.
When was Saint-Saëns' Bassoon Sonata composed?
This sonata was composed in 1921, the year of Camille Saint-Saëns' death, after his sonatas for oboe and clarinet.
Which aspects of bassoon playing does this sonata help to develop?
The score emphasizes phrasing, articulation, and rhythmic flexibility. The bassoon's singing quality and its colors play an important role within a classical language imbued with humor.
