The Berlin Oboe Quartet was formed in 1984 by four musicians who met while studying in Berlin and playing with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.
Compositional Technique
All five single-movement works on this recording, each a 'Phantasy' in its own way, share an intricate structure that explores instrument combinations to create a wide spectrum of tonal variety within strict formal discipline.
Historical Context
In 1905, British businessman Walter Willson Cobbett established a competition for single-movement chamber compositions called 'Phantasies,' inspired by 17th-century English Fantasies by Henry Purcell and his contemporaries.
Composition History
The oboe quartet genre, popular since works by Johann Christian Bach, Carl Stamitz, and Franz Krommer, experienced a revival in Britain in the 20th century, heralded by Benjamin Britten's Phantasy Op. 2.
Recording & Production
This album includes world premiere recordings of Helen Grime's Oboe Quartet, Colin Matthews' Oboe Quartet No. 2, Richard Rodney Bennett's Quartet for oboe and string trio, and Robert Schumann / Colin Matthews' Mondnacht.
Composition History
The oboe quartets on this album span nearly 80 years of British music, demonstrating a dedication to the genre and its development unique to British composers.
You might also enjoy...
Mozart, W.A.: Divertimento, K. Anh. 229, No. 6 / Kessler, T.: Unisono / Francaix, J.: Quartuor
Reger, M.: Serenade, Op. 141A / Broughton, B.: Fingerprints of Childhood / Egilsson, A.: In the Twilight (Les Amis Musicalles)
English Recorder Concertos
Les Vents Français - Music for Wind Ensemble
Bentzon, J.: Racconti
Mercadante, S.: Flute Quartets in A Minor / C Major / E Minor / A Major
Joseph Bodin De Boismortier: Six Sonates, Op. 51
The Clarinet in the 19th & 20th Centuries from Solo to Quartet
