Conversations Over Time: Oboe/Piano Duos

Details

Mayflower Chamber Ensemble full profile / oboe and piano / 2 musicians

Other players: Lydia Consilvio (oboe) and Jeremiah Cossa (piano)

Full program notes

Program

J.S. Bach: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring — Chorale from Cantata 147 (1716)

Schumann: Three Romances, Op. 94 (1849)
I. Nicht schnell
II. Einfach, innig
III. Nicht schnell

Schumann: Drei Fantasiestücke, Op. 111 (solo piano) (1851)
I. Sehr rasch, mit leidenschaftlichem Vortag
II. Ziemlich langsam
III. Kräftig und sehr markirt

Debussy (arr. Susan Jolles and Humbert Lucarelli): Three Pieces for Oboe and Piano (1891)
No. 2 Arabesque No. 2
No. 4 Prélude
No. 5 Minuet

Hindemith: Sonata for Oboe and Piano (1938)
I. Munter
II. Sehr langsam

Program Notes

This recital invites listeners on a journey through the intimate corridors of musical expression, weaving threads of emotion, reflection, and inquiry. From the timeless spirituality of Johann Sebastian Bach to the Romantic introspection of Robert Schumann, and onward to the impressionistic landscapes of Debussy, the program unfolds with a richness of colors and textures, culminating in Paul Hindemith's exploration of melody, rhythm, and form.

The program showcases Germanic composers from three distinct eras of European Classical music history. Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) remains a cornerstone of Western music, renowned for his innovations in harmony and counterpoint. His composition "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" from Cantata 147 (1716) exemplifies his mastery of polyphony and spiritual expression, serving as a testament to his enduring influence on subsequent generations of composers.

Robert Schumann (1810-1856) was a central figure in the Romantic movement, whose life and works epitomize the emotional intensity and introspective nature of the era. Struggling with mental health issues throughout his adult life, Schumann's compositions offer a window into his inner turmoil and quest for artistic expression. The "Three Romances, Op. 94" (1849), composed during a period of emotional turmoil, reflect the composer's profound sensitivity to the human condition and his struggle for emotional resonance.

Debussy's impressionistic compositions transport listeners to a world of ethereal beauty and evocative imagery. Arranged for oboe and piano by Susan Jolles and Humbert Lucarelli, these pieces originally written for piano solo are characterized by their delicate textures and subtle harmonies. Debussy's soft, impressionistic music offers a stark contrast to the often rigid and formal Germanic style prevalent in the program.

Paul Hindemith (1895-1963) emerged as a leading figure in 20th-century music, known for his neoclassical style and innovative approach to composition. His Sonata for Oboe and Piano (1938) represents a bold exploration of melody, rhythm, and form. The sonata showcases Hindemith's meticulous craftsmanship and his ability to create engaging musical dialogues between the oboe and piano. Through its distinctive melodies and rhythmic intricacies, the sonata offers a dynamic and captivating listening experience, highlighting Hindemith's mastery of musical expression and structure.

Through the juxtaposition of these diverse works, this recital offers a poignant exploration of the myriad emotions and experiences that define the human condition, inviting listeners on a journey of introspection, reflection, and ultimately, transcendence.

Videos from this ensemble