Solo Instrument Music CDs

With respect to solo instrumental compositions, there’s something to be said about composers listening to this type of music. If a professional composer writes a work for a specific instrument, then there’s a good chance that he or she has studied the range, special features, and characteristics of the instrument in question.

I know that I’ve talked to many woodwind and brass players before attempting to write for their instruments. A performer loves to give the inside scoop on their instrument of expertise, and that knowledge is usually transferred to the composer’s project at hand.

Some performers will even help out a composer in working out certain music passages effectively. Often, a performer will ask for nothing in return, although a composer usually acknowledges the performer in terms of some sort of dedication.

Rarely, you may listen to a solo work is not composed effectively for a featured instrument (perhaps the composer did not consult a performer for advice). However, even in this case, there’s something to be learned… how not to write for an instrument!

Here’s a list of some beautiful and effective solo compositions. Enjoy.

Woodwind Instruments

Flute

The Instruments of Classical Music, Vol. 1: The Flute

Oboe

The Instruments of Classical Music, Vol. 2: The Oboe

Clarinet

Weber: Clarinet Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Grand Duo Concertante; Concertino

20th Century Music For Unaccompanied Clarinet

Bassoon

English Bassoon Concertos

Brass Instruments