Sudden death of bassoon virtuoso

We have been notified of the passing of Rainer Schottstädt, one of Germany’s best-known bassoon players, principal of the Gurzenich orchestra of Cologne for 40 years.

Rainer, who retired last year from the orchestra, was 65.

He was a member of the Syrinx quintet and set up his own publishing house for his many bassoon arrangements of classical scores.

The Cologne conductor Franz-Xavier Roth writes: Extremely sad and chocked to hear the sudden death of the great Rainer Schottstaedt who was the legendary principal bassoon of the Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne. Rainer retired from his orchestra position a few months ago. It was an honor to play with him and to know him. All my thoughts go to his whole family and colleagues.