The Bassoon in Mexico

An integral part of the Catholic mass during the 1500s, the dulcian (bajón) became one of the first classical European instruments to reach the western hemisphere. Replaced by the bassoon in the 19th century, the instrument remained in use as Spaniards living in Mexico emulated entertainment and fashions from Europe. Following an upsurge in nationalism after the Revolution of 1910, a plethora of works exhibiting a truly Mexican style of composition developed, fueled by government money for the arts. Today, the bassoon continues to appear in symphonic, solo and chamber works. This book briefly examines the history of the bassoon in Mexico and analyzes the current state of the genre. Discussion is supported by an examination of recent pieces of solo bassoon music as well as chamber music with ensembles of ten or less that include bassoon. Composers discussed are divided into two categories: prominent composers and those who are lesser-known or underperformed. The project concludes with a list of Mexican solo and chamber works featuring bassoon as well as a selected discography to facilitate further research regarding bassoon music from this country.