This second album of early-19th-century bassoon concertos by Jaakko Luoma and Tapiola Sinfonietta includes four delightful concerto gems written for Frans Carl Preumayr (1782–1853), proficient and talented bassoonist who moved to Stockholm in 1802. Probably the best-known of the works were written by his Finnish father-in-law Bernhard Henrik Crusell and Franz Berwald, Sweden’s most famous composer of the Romantic period. However, the impressive Bassoon Concerto by the Swiss-born Édouard Du Puy has been very rarely heard. Also the German-born composer Eduard Brendler has been largely forgotten by music history. All four works are powerful, interesting, and demanding solo compositions which offer a thrilling journey into the musical life in one of the Nordic music capitals 200 years ago.

Bernhard Henrik Crusell’s Bassoon Concerto, published by Peters in Leipzig in 1829, is a flashy and demanding potpourri. This single-movement work is more akin to the Fantaisie or Konzerstück common during this time, wherein the piece consists of a series of sections, linked one after the other, of varying moods and tempos. Du Puy’s Bassoon Concerto is a large work almost half an hour in length which would deserve a central place in bassoon repertory. It is a monumentally powerful and dramatic work where the solo part is characterised by twisting virtuosity and passagework that takes the instrument to the edge of its capabilities. Although entitled Konzertstück, Berwald’s work belongs more aptly to the newly emerging small concerto with its jaunty and fluid themes. The work’s sentimental Romanza is a paraphrase on Henry Bishop’s Home, sweet home, which he uses as a theme for a couple of variations. Dresden-born Eduard Brendler’s Divertissement is an orchestral arrangement of a chamber work and one of the composer’s key works in his short catalogue of works.

Jaakko Luoma studied first at the Sibelius Academy together with László Hara and Jussi Särkkä and then in the Paris Conservatory with Pascal Gallois. Jaakko Luoma has been awarded at the Crusell competition in the composer’s hometown, Uusikaupunki, and he also received third prize in the ARD competition in Munich in 2002. He was awarded with Crusell society’s Crusell medal in 2001. Luoma became member of the Tapiola Sinfonietta already at the age of 20 in 1993. During the years 1996–98 he served as solo bassoonist of Orchestre de Paris. Between 2001 and 2003 he also served as solo bassoonist of Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin. Jaakko Luoma has appeared as soloist all over Finland and in Europe and is a regular guest in chamber music festivals. He teaches bassoon playing at the Sibelius Academy. In addition, he is actively engaged in performing with period instruments. Jaakko Luoma’s previous Ondine discography includes bassoon concertos by W. A. Mozart, Winter, Hummel and Rossini.

The Tapiola Sinfonietta has established itself as Finland’s premier chamber orchestra. Founded as the Espoo City Orchestra in 1987, it currently has 44 members. The orchestra is known for its adventurous repertoire planning and has been widely acclaimed for nuanced performances across a wide range of eras and styles. The Tapiola Sinfonietta often performs without a conductor, placing an emphasis on ensemble playing and the personal responsibility of each musician. The Tapiola Sinfonietta appears regularly at music festivals in Finland, and tours abroad have boosted its international reputation along with its award-winning discography.

Janne Nisonen is one of Finland’s most versatile and sought after musicians. Nisonen is known especially for his stylish performances of classical and early romantic repertoire as well as a brave proponent of contemporary music. He is a descendant of folk musicians, and there is a certain full-blooded and gritty character in his musicianship. Among other orchestras, Nisonen has conducted the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic, Tapiola Sinfonietta, Tampere Filharmonia, Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, Avanti!, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra and the Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra. Nisonen has recorded exclusively for Ondine.