A Stimulating Recital Contemporary music for oboe and ensemble - heard by PATRIC STANDFORD '... a wide range of interest.'

The Redgates, oboist Christopher and conductor Roger, again join forces to produce a stimulating recital of challenging recent pieces focussing mainly on works for oboe and strings all performed by Christopher, the masterly virtuoso. There are two pieces by Roger Redgate, a short Quintet written in 2003 and Éperons, an earlier work from 1988 for oboe and percussion (Julian Warburton) which explores a remarkable range of technical boldness.

Christopher Fox's Oboe Quintet was first heard in 1996 and in part is captured in a Stravinskian rhythmic framework, compulsive and exhilarating, though this is only one phase through which the fourteen minute piece passes.

Howard Skempton's style is that of an independent voice, quite apart from much mainstream experimental work. His interest in economy has produced a series of highly intriguing pieces, and the Garland for oboe and string trio is just such a one -- a perfect title for a piece of lyrical beauty.

Michael Finnissy has two pieces on the disc, the first giving its title to the CD, a substantial work for oboe and ensemble, and Ceci n'est pas une forme, a filigree weaving oboe around piano and pizzicato strings.

James Clarke's Oboe Quintet allows for the soloist to double on cor anglais, and inhabits a more disruptive atmosphere with a rather menacing closing section.

Excellently recorded with clarity, this is a recital to capture a wide range of interest.

MICHAEL FINNISSY

OBOE

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC

UNITED KINGDOM