Mozart, Britten, Knussen & Françaix: A Tribute to Janet

Featuring

Nicholas Daniel
Jacqueline Shave
Clare Finnimore
Caroline Dearnley
Britten Oboe Quartet
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Benjamin Britten
Oliver Knussen
Jean Françaix
Robert Schumann

Did you know?

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Album & Artwork

The album title 'A Tribute to Janet' honors Janet Craxton, a beloved oboe teacher whose untimely death in 1981 inspired Nicholas Daniel to champion new works.

Performer Biography

The Britten Oboe Quartet was founded in 2005 by oboist Nicholas Daniel and his long-time musical friends Jacqueline Shave (violin), Clare Finnimore (viola), and Caroline Dearnley (cello).

Composer's Artistic Vision

Jean Françaix chose to write for the deeper-sounding English horn instead of the oboe for his quartet, believing its sound reflected Janet Craxton's personality and deep speaking voice.

Composition History

Oliver Knussen's Cantata op.15 was written for Janet Craxton and the London Oboe Quartet in memory of Kenneth Heath, a founding member of the ensemble.

Recording & Production

This recording was made in January 2016 at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds, UK, with Andrew Mellor serving as the Sessions Producer and Engineer.

Composition History

Jean Françaix's Cor Anglais Quartet was commissioned by Janet Craxton, with financial assistance secured by her brother, the distinguished artist John Craxton, from the French Embassy in London.