Ralph Vaughan Williams & James MacMillan: Oboe Concertos

Featuring

Nicholas Daniel
James MacMillan
Britten Sinfonia
Ralph Vaughan Williams
Benjamin Britten

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Critical Reception

Jacqueline Du Pré, a renowned cellist, once called Ralph Vaughan Williams's Oboe Concerto 'the oboist's Elgar Cello Concerto,' highlighting its virtuosity.

Performer Biography

Nicholas Daniel, the oboist and director on this album, began his distinguished career by winning the BBC Young Musician of the Year Competition at age 18.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Ralph Vaughan Williams extensively collected and transcribed native English folksongs, which later permeated his own music and provided creative stimulation throughout his career.

Composition History

Ralph Vaughan Williams's Oboe Concerto is one of many pieces he wrote in his final years, producing three new symphonies, a tuba concerto, and several song cycles.

Composer Biography

Ralph Vaughan Williams's early career was slow to gain recognition, with even his teacher Henry Wood commenting on his 'hopelessly bad' technique.

Composition History

James MacMillan's Oboe Concerto was dedicated to Nicholas Daniel, the oboist on this recording, and was the result of several years of discussion and consultation between them.

Composer Biography

James MacMillan, a successful contemporary composer and conductor, draws influences from his Scottish heritage, Catholic faith, social conscience, Celtic folk music, and music from the Far East, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe.