The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (OAE) was founded over three decades ago by London musicians who aimed to rethink the traditional orchestra model.
Historical Context
Joseph Priestley, the inspiration for this concerto, is credited with discovering oxygen, conceiving the ecosystem, and inventing soda water.
Performer Biography
Peter Whelan, the bassoon soloist, is also the Artistic Director of the Irish Baroque Orchestra and founding Artistic Director of Ensemble Marsyas.
Composition History
The concerto's title, 'Observations on Air', refers to Joseph Priestley's treatise 'Experiments and Observations on Different Kinds of Air'.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The concerto's movements, such as 'The Club of Honest Whigs', reflect Michael Gordon's imagination of the energetic gatherings of philosophers and scientists that Priestley attended.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Michael Gordon's Bassoon Concerto 'Observations on Air' is an homage to Joseph Priestley, an Age of Enlightenment British scientist and radical theologian.
Recording & Production
This recording was supported by the Mark Williams Foundation.
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