The work was commissioned by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for their principal bassoonist Nancy Goeres.
[1] The Bassoon Concerto has a duration of approximately 17 minutes in performance and is cast in two movements: The work is scored for a solo bassoon and an orchestra consisting of piccolo, flute, oboe, cor anglais, clarinet, bass clarinet, two horns in F, trumpet, trombone, one percussionist, and strings.
[1] Reviewing the world premiere, Robert Croan of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote, "The new 17-minute concerto has an opening movement that might be called Brahmsian in its majesty and emphasis on the low, dark sonorities.
Once the solo instrument enters, Zwilich exploits the broadness of its range and lyrical potential.
It is in its livelier second movement that this concerto really comes to life, with a marvelous cadenza that shows just about every aspect of the instrument.