Bruce Grainger, 42, Symphony Bassoonist

Every early death brings a special level of regret for those gone before their time.

In the case of Bruce Grainger, however, the regrets reach beyond family and friends, into the symphony orchestras where he played and the audiences that enjoyed his music.

Mr. Grainger, 42, a Seattle native, died of AIDS complications Tuesday in Chicago, where he was a bassoonist for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Though he spent his last decade performing, touring and recording for the Chicago orchestra, Mr. Grainger's Seattle roots were deep. From 1978 to 1986, he played second bassoon in the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, where many of his family members also played: his mother, cellist Ruth Grainger; his aunt, violinist Maybeth Pressley; his cousin, trumpeter Rick Pressley.

"He was such a phenomenal bassoonist, and he made a great contribution to the orchestra. His death is so tragic," said Seattle Symphony music director Gerard Schwarz.

Mr. Grainger was a mainstay of the Seattle Youth Symphony for many of his student years, an era vividly recalled by former Youth Symphony music director Vilem Sokol. The young bassoonist returned frequently for special Youth Symphony events, including a 1992 alumni day.

"Without a doubt, Bruce was one of the most gifted players we ever had in the Youth Symphony," Sokol said. "I remember many of his solos to this day. He was not outwardly very emotional, but he expressed everything through his music."

Mr. Grainger was a University of Washington graduate, where he studied with bassoonist Arthur Grossman, now UW associate arts dean.

"This is a terrible loss," Grossman said. "He was one of the most talented players I have ever encountered. I remember hearing him play Mozart at the Youth Symphony's Marrowstone Festival, when he was only about 13 or 14 - it was absolutely spectacular, even then."

Talent and a determination to succeed led Mr. Grainger to the Chicago Symphony, which he called "the chance of a lifetime."

After joining the Chicago Symphony, Mr. Grainger was featured in recordings and concerts in the orchestra's worldwide tours and at international music festivals.

Mr. Grainger's new solo compact disc, "Music for Bassoon, Piano and Cello," on the Centaur label, was released last month.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is dedicating this week's concerts to his memory.

He is survived by his companion of 12 years, Keith Conant; his parents, Ruth and Robert Grainger; a sister, Jan Stamey, brother Gary Grainger; brother-in-law Bill Stamey, all of Washington state. Family and friends are planning a memorial service.

Remembrances may be sent to a memorial scholarship in Mr. Grainger's name at DePaul University, in care of the Dean's Office, 804 West Belden St., Chicago, Ill., 60614.