Bassoon Memories

(Note: This site will be updated continuously)

This site show pictures from my bassoon life over 35 years.

This site shows my teachers, friends and colleagues.

(Click on the images to enlarge them)

Last updated 2 nd June 2006.

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My First Bassoon

My first bassoon was a Sonora Adler.

I began playing the bassoon at Horten Music School when I was twelve.

My first teacher was Arthur Andersen, former saxophonist in the

Norwegian Army Band. He was also a eager amateur bassoonist.

At this picture I am about twelve years old.

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A Young Bassoonist In The Family

My brother Terje Rønnes made this picture after some months with

too much bassooning from his brother.

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First Studies in Asker and Oslo

After music school I went on studying with Knut Bjærke. (no.3 to the left)

Knut Bjærke was the former Solo Contrabassoonist in Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra.

After 2 years I contued my studies with Torleiv Nedberg (to the right) from I was 16

to the end of my studies in 1980. Torleiv Nedberg was the former alternating Solo Bassoonist

in the same orchestra as Bjærke. This pictures is taken at a bassoon party in Nedbergs house.

From the left: Svein Hugo Granseth,Halvard Opem,Knut Bjærke,

Per Hannisdal,Hans Petter Aasen and Torleiv Nedberg.

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Bassoonist in Jeunesess World Orchestra

This picture is taken on the top of Academy House in Seoul, Corea.

The bassoon group of the Jeunesses Musicales World Orchestra is presented with

from the left:Karen Lassen (Denmark)-Robert Ronnes (Norway) ?? (Corea)

and ?? (Japan). If someone know these two bassoonist I would be thankful for their names.

The orchestra had rehearsals and concerts in Corea and Japan. (About 1976)

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Bassoon Studies In Geneva

I studied with Roger Birnstingl from 1979-1980 at the "Conservatoire De Musique De Geneve"

in Switzerland. Here Roger Birnstingl is rehearsing my composition "Grand Walz" for 4 bassoons.

From left:(partly covered) Helge Netland ,Violin-Robert Ronnes,bassoon-Jens Tofte Hansen,bassoon

-Roger Birnstingl,bassoon and Kim Walker,bassoon.

The very fine gentleman and bassoo professor Roger Birnstingl

learned me a lot, " You must sing the bassoon!!" - He said.

Thanks Roger for the very fine time we haf together.

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Students performing Mozart:"Eine Kleine Nachtmusic" for 3 violins and 2 bassoons

at a party. (Geneva 1979)

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The Stavanger Symphony Orchestra

I have been solo bassoonist in Stavanger Symphony Orchestra since 1981.

I was solo bassoonist in Stockholm Philharmonic for 1year In 1988, before

I went back to Stavanger.

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The First Norwegian Solo Debut On Bassoon

Just before the concert -

Together with the pianist Harald Steinum.

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Concert program page1.

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Concert program page 2

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I made my official solo debut concert in 1985. This concert was supported by the NorConcert -

the Concert Institute of Norway - at the University Aula in Oslo , which received excellent critical acclaim.

The Norwegian composer Johan Kvandal wrote the "Legende" for bassoon and piano for me at this concert.

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My First Solo CD - 1991

"The Contemporary Norwegian Bassoon"

I made my first solo CD in 1991 together with the pianist and proffessor Eva Knardahl.

All the works on this CD was written specially for us.

To hear parts from the CD or order it, Please click HERE.

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The composer Terje Lestrad is discussing his bassoon sonata with Eva Knardahl.

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My Sons First Homemade Bassoon

This picture is taken about 1992-93, showing my son Kristian

playing on his selfmade Duplo bassoon.

Here is he playing for his dolls.

Since that Bernd Moosmann has made his bassoon.

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Bernd Moosmann Bassoon Representant

I have been representing the bassoon firm Moosmann since 1993.

Here I am playing a bassoon duet with Werner Schulze.

Bernd Moosmann is listening to his instruments.

I am proud to represent such a bassoon brand!!

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Bassoon Studies in Moscow 1993 and 1995

In a peroid in 1993 and 1995 I had the pleasure

to study bassoon at Tschaikowsky Conservatory in Moscow.

To learn from the great master of the Russian bassoon school - Valeri Popov

was for me a great inspiration. Valeri learned me so much about everything!

Valeri showing a rare trill fingering.

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Valeri teaching some of his students in

bassoon quartet.

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The very fine Russian bocalmaker Ifkin

made me some very beatiful bassoon bocals.

Here together with his colleague.

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The master -the very kind and elegant

madame Popova and the bassoon student in

the family Popov´s home. Here many interesting discussions were made.

Thanks a lot both of you!

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My Solo Debut in Moscow in 1995

In March 1995 I had my solo debut as bassoon soloist in Moscow.

The program was:

1) Johan Kvandal : "Legend" for Bassoon and Piano

(written specially for me)

2) Wolfgang Plagge Musica Sacra for Bassoon and Piano

(Bassoon version made by me after permission from the composer)

3) Harald Sæverud: Autumn for Bassoon and Piano

( Dedicated to me by the composer)

4) Robert Rønnes: "My Time" for Bassoon-Narrator and Piano

The very fine poems by Charles racine Bergesen was declamated in Russian

by Aleksander Shafran.

( Read and hear more about the work HERE.)

5) Robert Rønnes "Antonio Vivaldi Bassoon Concerto no 40"

( Read and hear more about this work HERE. )

Valeri Popov conducted musicians from The Russian

Culture Ministeriums Orchestra.

6) H.P. Johnsen Double Concerto for 2 Bassoons and Orchestra

( This work can be heard and seen HERE. )

Also this concerto was performed together with the orchestra above.

Mikhal Dybov was an exellent pianist who played all the piano parts elegantly!

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The Valeri Popov Scandinavian Bassoon Symphosium 1996

In tribute to my teacher I arranged a Scandinavian Bassoon Symphosium

in 1996 in Stavanger Norway.

Valeri Popov gave masterclasses and gave a solo recital.

My 2nd Bassoon Sonata was premiered at that recital by Valeri Popov and

the pianist and composer Wolfgang Plagge.

The sonata is dedicated to him.

( You can hear this sonata performed by me in 2000 in Argentina HERE.)

Valeri Popov conducting and coaching

Norwegian bassoonists in a work for bassoon ensemble.

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Valeri Popov giving masterclass

in Stavanger 1996.

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The IDRS Festval 1996

In Tallahasse - USA

My two music friends that performed my "Grand Trio Concertant"

for oboe,bassoon and piano.

Here the oboist Simon Emes and the pianist and composer

Wolfgang Plagge practising the Plagge Sonata for oboe and Piano.

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The maestro Bernd Moosmann and his bassoons.

at the IDRS festival 1996.

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Good friends eating breakfast at the same festival.

From left: bassoonist and American representant for the firm Moosmann, Justin Miller.

Carl Rath, Moosmann bassoonist and Bernd Moosmann.

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The IDRS Festival 1998

In Tempe - Arizona

The Moosmann International Quartet.

Here a picture before their first quartet concert at the IDRS

festival in Tempe Arizona.

From left: Carl Rath-USA,Robert Ronnes-Norway,

Andrea Merenzon-Argentina and Michel Bettez-Canada.

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"Fou De Basson"

French Bassoon Festival

Angouleme - France 1999

I was invited by the French bassoon festival " Fou De Basson"

in 1996 to give solo concerts and master class.

Here is Franck Leblois (bassoon) V. Aschenazy (piano)

Bassoonist William Waterhouse (turning pages)

and Robert Rønnes(bassoon)-

practising the Wolfgang Plagge :Trio op.92 for 2 bassoons and Piano.

At this festival I also composed two works.

1: Concerto for Bassoon and Tape

2: "Tangouleme" Tango for 4 bassoons.

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The IDRS Festival 2000

Buenos Aires - Argentina

With friends from the IDRS festival.

from left: Jurgen Kraus,Robert Rønnes.

Bernd Moosmann and Michel Bettez after a concert.

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The IDRS Festval 2002

In Banff - Canada

Practising my bassoon sonata no 4

with Peter Allen , Piano.

This sonata can be heard HERE

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Moosmann friends on town.

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Performing the Freithoff bassoon sonata

at concert with Michael Massey.

This sonata can be heard HERE.

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Mosmann artists and friends

at Banff festival 2002.

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Solo Tour To China 2003

Representing the bassoon firm Bernd Moosmann in

5 towns in China , November 2003.

I gave solo recitals and masterclasses.

In Beijing. Together with the

Chinese People Army Band.

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Teaching a young student in

Hummel bassoon concerto at

the conservatory of Tinjan.

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The bassoon professor of Tinjan,

a really genteleman!

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At the Xian Conservatory with

professor Fong.

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Giving masterclass to Professor

Fong´s students.

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Cheng Du. Participating in Chinas

first bassoon festival.

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Pupils and teachers from the

Cheng Du Conservatory.

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After a masterclass given to

the students and teachers of the Shanghai Conservatory

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To have had the possibillity to play , teach and

listen to chinese musicians was a wonderful experience!

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Tokyo - Japan 2005

The very fine bassoonist and friend

Yoshiichiro Matsuzaki, president

of The Japanese Bassoon Society.

Discussing and playing the

Moosmann bassoons for the

Moosmann department in Tokyo.

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Many more pictures will come.

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