Jean Coulthard’s Lyric sonatina for bassoon and piano: an introduction and critical edition

Jean Coulthard (b 10 February 1908 in Vancouver, BC, Canada; d 9 March 2000 in Vancouver, BC, Canada) was among a select group of composers who helped shape the classical music environment during the mid-twentieth century. Coulthard worked closely with many orchestras, organizations, and notable soloists in Canada during their formative years, including bassoonist George Zukerman. Coulthard and Zukerman’s professional relationship led to creating one of the earliest Canadian works for bassoon and piano, Lyric Sonatina for Bassoon and Piano (1969). As the title implies, the work highlights the performers’ lyrical capabilities, demanding a high sophisticated musicianship level. The present study has produced the first critical edition of the score and solo bassoon part for Coulthard’s bassoon sonatina to incorporate this work into its standard repertoire. A biography of Jean Coulthard supports this critical edition and the history of the development of her three works for bassoon: Lyric Sonatina for Bassoon and Piano, Lyric Symphony III for Bassoon and Chamber Orchestra, and Legend from the West for Solo Bassoon.