Stravinsky, The Rite of Spring, Rehearsal Numbers 0-2
A thought when it comes to unaccompanied solos: Feel not afraid to use fermatas.
Unaccompanied bassoon melody high up in it’s range. In the hands of a novice bassoonist, this melody would no doubt sound quite squeaky.
Interesting to note that the height of the melody in it’s range was specifically chosen for the bassoon. Ravel might’ve looked at this and said, “why not English Horn?”
Contrast of the bassoon in this range to the french horn, clarinet in A, Eb, and the bass clarinet. Harsh woodwind has the melody, soft woodwinds have the polyphonic countermelodies.
Notice that contrary motion doesn’t exist. Firm denial of Fux and Gradus Ad Parnassum.
English horn provides a little relief for the bassoonist.