Benjamin Britten's "Britten: Music for Oboe; Piano Music" is a captivating exploration of the composer's works for oboe and piano, released on October 1, 1995, under the Hyperion label. This album offers a diverse collection of pieces that showcase Britten's mastery of both classical and neoclassical styles, with a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes.
The album begins with "Phantasy," a piece that highlights the expressive range of the oboe, followed by the "Oboe Quartet, Op. 2," which demonstrates Britten's skill in writing for chamber ensembles. The "Holiday Diary, Op. 5" is a delightful suite that evokes the joys of a summer holiday, from the tranquility of "Early Morning Bath" to the excitement of "Fun-Fair" and the serenity of "Night."
A significant portion of the album is dedicated to Britten's "6 Metamorphoses After Ovid, Op. 49," a set of six short pieces inspired by Ovid's Metamorphoses. Each piece is a miniature masterpiece, capturing the essence of mythological figures such as Pan, Phaeton, and Narcissus.
The "Temporal Variations" is another highlight of the album, based on a somber funeral march theme that undergoes a series of transformations. This piece showcases Britten's ability to create depth and complexity from a simple musical idea.
The album also includes the "5 Waltzes," a set of dance pieces that range from the nervous energy of the first waltz to the dramatic intensity of the third. The "2 Insect Pieces" offer a playful contrast, with the "Grasshopper" and the "Wasp" depicted in lively and humorous fashion.
Finally, the "Night Piece 'Notturno'" provides a serene and reflective conclusion to the album. Throughout, the performances by Sarah Francis on oboe and Michael Dussek on piano are impeccable, bringing Britten's music to life with sensitivity and virtuosity. This album is a testament to Britten's enduring legacy as one of the most important composers of the 20th century.
Phantasy, Oboe Quartet, Op. 2Benjamin Britten, John Underwood, Jonathan Williams, Sarah Francis, Galina Solodchin
Holiday Diary, Op. 5: I. Early Morning BathBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek
Holiday Diary, Op. 5: II. SailingBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek
Holiday Diary, Op. 5: III. Fun-FairBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek
Holiday Diary, Op. 5: IV. NightBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek
6 Metamorphoses After Ovid, Op. 49: I. Pan, Who Played upon the Reed Pipe Which Was Syrinx, His BelovedBenjamin Britten, Sarah Francis
6 Metamorphoses After Ovid, Op. 49: II. Phaeton, Who Made upon the Chariot of the Sun for One Day and Was Hurled into the River Padus by a ThunderboltBenjamin Britten, Sarah Francis
6 Metamorphoses After Ovid, Op. 49: III. Niobe, Who, Lamenting the Death of Her 14 Children, Was Turned into a MountainBenjamin Britten, Sarah Francis
6 Metamorphoses After Ovid, Op. 49: IV. Bacchus, at Whose Feast Is Heard the Noise of Gaggling Women's Tattling Tongues and Shouting Out of BoysBenjamin Britten, Sarah Francis
6 Metamorphoses After Ovid, Op. 49: V. Narcissus, Who Fell in Love with His Own Image and Became a FlowerBenjamin Britten, Sarah Francis
6 Metamorphoses After Ovid, Op. 49: VI. Arethusa, Who, Flying from the Love of Alpheus the River God, Was Turned into a FountainBenjamin Britten, Sarah Francis
Temporal Variations: I. Theme. Andante rubatoBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek, Sarah Francis
Temporal Variations: II. Oration. Lento quasi recitativoBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek, Sarah Francis
Temporal Variations: III. March. Alla marciaBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek, Sarah Francis
Temporal Variations: IV. Exercises. Allegro molto e fuocoBenjamin Britten, Sarah Francis, Michael Dussek
Temporal Variations: V. Commination. Adagio con fuocoBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek, Sarah Francis
Temporal Variations: VI. Chorale. Molto lentoBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek, Sarah Francis
Temporal Variations: VII. Waltz. Allegretto rubatoBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek, Sarah Francis
Temporal Variations: VIII. Polka. Tempo di Polka – AllegroBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek, Sarah Francis
Temporal Variations: IX. Resolution. Maestoso, ma non troppo lentoBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek, Sarah Francis
5 Waltzes: I. Rather Fast and NervousBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek
5 Waltzes: II. Quick, with WitBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek
5 Waltzes: III. DramaticBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek
5 Waltzes: IV. Rhythmic, Not FastBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek
5 Waltzes: V. Variations. Quiet and Simple; Flowing; Slow and SadBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek
2 Insect Pieces: I. The GrasshopperBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek, Sarah Francis
2 Insect Pieces: II. The WaspBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek, Sarah Francis
Night Piece "Notturno"Benjamin Britten, Michael Dussek
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