Klaus Thunemann

With great dismay, I learned early last Saturday morning of the passing of my teacher,

Prof. Klaus Thunemann.

Without question, Klaus Thunemann was the most significant bassoonist of the 20th and early 21st centuries. He brought the bassoon out from the back rows of the orchestra into the spotlight, setting entirely new standards in sound and instrumental technique, and presented the instrument as a soloist in ways never seen before. His recordings have lost none of their impressive musical, technical, and tonal uniqueness to this day.

As a pedagogue with professorships in Hanover, later Berlin and Madrid, and through countless masterclasses at home and abroad, he mentored and supported innumerable bassoonists, placing them in top positions like no other. Studying with “Thunemann” was, for decades, a mark of distinction that opened many doors. We “Thunemänner” benefited immensely from his energy, intuition, and knowledge, as well as from his connections. For this, I will always be grateful to Klaus.

Even on a personal level, long after our studies, he remained an important conversational partner and advisor. If you wrote to him, you always received a prompt reply. In this too, he was a great role model. He cared.

Even into old age, Klaus continued to play “his” instrument and practiced diligently. He was a bassoonist with heart and soul.

With his passing, we lose a beacon, a guiding star of our instrument.

I will miss you deeply—your laughter, your wit, and also your occasionally biting remarks about developments in the classical music world.

Thank you so much for everything!

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