As well as performing with many of the world's leading orchestras and chamber groups, Robert Thompson has recorded neglected works by 19th-century composer Franz Danzi and an album of music for bassoon by Antonio Vivaldi.

[4] He also recorded works by contemporary composers John Downey, Gordon Jacob and Jurriaan Andriessen[5] amidst some local controversy in Wisconsin in 1981.

The University of Wisconsin System eventually approved the contracted recording & travel costs exceeding $30,000 (ca.

[8][9] In the same year, Thompson performed the concerto in the church of Jerzy Popiełuszko, the murdered Roman Catholic Priest to whom the piece is dedicated.

[10] For many years, Robert Thompson was a member of faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee as Professor of Bassoon and Director of the Institute for Chamber Music.