Reinhold Glière (1875-1956) was a direct heir to the Russian romantic tradition. The most important element in his style is expressive melody and this is best typified in his Opus 35, written in 1908. It is a collection of eleven short pieces for various instruments and piano revealing his love for a good melody. The Humoresque, opus 35 nr. 8 and the Impromptu, opus 35 nr. 9 are both dedicated to bassoonist Ivan Romanovich Porubinovski. The Humoresque has an almost old English feel about it , quite stately and character in fact , and should not be rushed . In the Impromptu the euphonium plays an almost improvised and charming melody exploring the cantabile character of the instrument, and although it was originally written for bassoon the long arching melodies suit the euphonium perfect
