Sonata for Bassoon and Piano (opus 36), written in Egham, Surrey, in 1978, is in three short movements and received its first performance in June 1980.

The opening movement, in sonata form, is prefaced by a maestoso introductory theme stated first on piano and then on bassoon before the movement proper, consisting of two interrelated themes, begins. 

The second movement – adagio- is a reflective cantilena. The bassoon introduces a theme that could well the improvisation of some musician on a distant Magyar plain. The piano takes up the plaintive tune, the soloists alternate, then join together, building towards a climactic recitativo for bassoon. Slowly the drama subsides as the contemplative opening mood returns.

The third movement – allegro grazioso con umore- is a short rondo consisting of two themes, the second being a parody of a well-worn tune that sees the humorous side of the bassoon brought to the fore.