Mordechai Rechtman

Mordechai Rechtman was a renowned Israeli bassoonist, born in 1926, who left an indelible mark on the music world until his passing in 2023. His illustrious career spanned multiple decades, with a notable tenure as the principal bassoonist of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra from 1946 to 1991. During this period, he not only perfected his craft as a performer but also laid the foundation for his future endeavors as an educator and arranger.

Beyond his performing career, Rechtman was a dedicated academic teacher and arranger. He held the position of professor of bassoon at Tel Aviv University from 1968 to 2002, imparting his knowledge and skills to generations of musicians. Additionally, he taught as a guest professor at prestigious institutions such as the Indiana University School of Music, the Juilliard School, and the Royal Academy of Music, further solidifying his reputation as a master of his instrument. Rechtman was also recognized for his transcriptions and arrangements, particularly for wind quintets and other ensembles, which he often conducted himself, bringing new life to concertos and other works.