Gordon Jacob taught at the Royal College of Music from 1926 until his retirement in 1966, and his pupils included Malcolm Arnold and Imogen Holst.
Composer Biography
Gordon Jacob (1895-1984) was the seventh son in his family, which is why he was named Gordon Percival Septimus.
Composition History
Before composing his first piece for recorder, the Suite for recorder and string quartet, Gordon Jacob met its dedicatee, Carl Dolmetsch, to understand the instrument's mechanics.
Recording & Production
This album includes three world premiere recordings: the Suite for recorder and string quartet, the Sonata for recorder and piano, and Trifles for treble recorder, violin, cello and harpsichord.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Gordon Jacob developed a reputation for his ability to compose idiomatic instrumental music, even for less common instruments like the trombone, harmonica, and recorder.
Recording & Production
Robin Bigwood, who plays harpsichord and piano on this recording, also engineered and edited the album.
Historical Context
The recorder's revival in the 20th century, and the push for new contemporary repertoire, was significantly influenced by recorder pioneer Carl Dolmetsch.
