My adaptation of Prokofiev's 'Humorous Scherzo' for 4 bassoons for 2 heckelphones and 2 bassoons. The piece was originally written for piano.

Prokofiev: Scherzo Humoristique

Johann Georg Michael Frost was 'Churfürstlicher Sächsischer Hofpfeifer' in the court of Dresden in the late 18th century. Little is known about him or the circumstances of this composition, but it is one of very few works specifically written for small sized bassoons. It is scored for 2 octave bassoons, 2 tenor bassoons in F, 2 bassoons and 2 horns in C.
In 1805 Frost's daughter married the famous Dresden bassoon maker Heinrich Grenser (1764-1813) so it is fascinating to suppose that this piece was written for, or first performed on, a set of instruments made by him.

It comprises four movements:
I. Allegro
II. Grave
III. Menuetto (Allegro) & Trio
IV. Finale (Allegro)

Performed by John McDougall (bassoons) & Mark Johnson (french horns).

J.G.M. Frost: Parthia IV for 2 octave bassoons, 2 tenoroons, 2 bassoons & 2 horns (ca.1786)

'La Zanetta Padoana' from 'Il Primo Libro de Balli' (1578) by Giorgio Mainerio, played on 3 Tenoroons and Bassoon by John McDougall.

La Zanetta Padoana

Berlioz described in detail his ideal 'orchestra of the future', comprising a vast array of instruments, including 120 violins, 30 harps & 4 octobasses (double basses a whole octave lower than the conventional one!). In the woodwind lineup, apart from 12 bassoons he also lists 4 tenoroons (small bassoons pitched a 4th or 5th higher than the regular bassoon). This got me thinking, "What would Berlioz have written for 4 tenoroons?" so I hit on the idea of his Hungarian March from 'The Damnation of Faust' as a rather mad example of what they might sound like together.
Enjoy!

Berlioz:  Hungarian March

Schein's famous Pavan from 'Banchetto Musicale', often played on four crumhorns, here on four bassoons.

Johann Hermann Schein: Pavan (1617)

One of the greatest pieces of music ever written. I've always loved it so I felt the need to make my own version, even though I don't play any of the instruments that Purcell had in mind for it. I hope I haven't spoilt it by playing it on four bassoons!

Purcell - Chacony in G minor (ca.1680)

A classic song in a classic arrangement by the late Jock Sutcliffe (who scored it for two oboes and two cors anglais). Here adapted for four bassoons.

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes

It was Wagner's idea to invent the Heckelphone! He never lived to see it, but I wonder if this is what he had in mind!

Last Tango In Bayreuth

Purcell's 1st Fantasia in 3 parts.
Written in 1680 but I think the use of heckelphones makes it sound quite medieval.

Henry Purcell - Fantasia à 3 in D minor Z732 (1680)

Sir Granville Ransome Bantock (1868-1946)was a British composer and conductor.
He wrote mostly large scale choral/orchestral works but this little trio for bassoons was written towards the end of his life.
I think it's more cackling and witch-like on three heckelphones!

Sir Granville Bantock - The Witches' Frolic (1945?)

Purcell wrote this march for the funeral of Queen Mary II in March 1695, and it was played again at Purcell's own funeral in November the same year. Both Queen Mary and Henry Purcell were buried in Westminster Abbey.

Henry Purcell - Funeral March for the Queen (1695)

Written for piano in 1872 while Gounod was living in England and orchestrated by the composer in 1879.
The piece was made famous by the American television series 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' in the 1960s.
Here it is on four heckelphones (why not?).

Charles Gounod - Marche funèbre d'une marionette

What better way to get in the Christmas mood than dancing along to 8 (yes, EIGHT!) Sugar Plum Heckelphones!

Dance of the Super Plump Hairies

Who wouldn’t want to be serenaded by SIX heckelphones on their birthday?

John McDougall

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