from Hamlet

I was encouraged to arrange the Mélodrame for bassoon and piano by a well known and highly respected bassoon teacher in Scotland. We agreed it would be an excellent piece in helping to learn to read, and to feel comfortable playing in, the tenor clef. The idea to publish two versions - one in bass clef and one in both the bass and tenor clefs, was to allow the student to learn the piece in a familiar setting, before going on to play the piece reading both clefs. I have also deliberately added different articulations, subtle changes to phrasing and different instructions through Italian terms. Not only does this encourage the player to be more resourceful in expressing themselves, it also helps to encourage and formulate a strong reading discipline. With these touches, it’s easy to see how much more fun can be had performing the piece. (David Hubbard)