James Ostryniec, oboe; Wanda Maximilien, piano; Patricia Berlin, mezzo-soprano; Paul Hoffman, piano; Dan Armstrong, percussion
Alard Quartet: Joanne Zagst, violin; Donald Hopkins, violin; Raymond Page, viola; Leonard Feldman, cello];David Rossi, bass viola
Witold Lutoslawski's Epitaph was written as an affectionate tribute to the composer and pianist Alan Richardson (1904- 1978) at the request of his widow. The composition presents a dramatic form through the contrast and struggle between the oboe and piano. A nine-note recurring motive in the oboe serves to unite the various sections, which display inventive textures, colors and articulations. A short homophonic presentation by the two instruments gives a simple and highly poetic conclusion to the composition.
Ralph Shapey's Sonata for oboe and piano—along with sonatas by Stefan Wolpe and Gunther Schuller—ranks as one of the important contributions to the oboe literature by major 20th century composers. As with other compositions by Shapey from this period, the dominant principle used throughout the composition is repetition with variation; when an event is repeated either the motive is slightly altered or the setting changes so that the effect is new and fresh. The result is a thoroughly organized composition with a strong sense of direction.
Ruth Crawford Seeger's compositions are astonishing in their technical boldness, often anticipating the future avant-garde. The Three Songs exist in two versions: the version recorded here is for three instruments and voice; the larger version adds two ostinati groups —one composed of winds and another composed of strings.
This title, originally issued on the CRI label, is now available as a burn-on-demand CD (CD-R) or download in MP3/320, FLAC or WAV formats. CD-Rs come in a protective sleeve; no print booklet or jewel case included. Full liner notes are accessible via the link above.
Shapey, Lutoslawski, Seeger, Ives, Luening: Oboe Works
| MP3/320 | $7.99 | |
| FLAC | $7.99 | |
| WAV | $7.99 | |
| CD-R | $7.99 |
A *.pdf of the notes may be accessed here free of charge.
Track Listing
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Sonata for Oboe and Piano: I. -
Ralph Shapey
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Sonata for Oboe and Piano: II. -
Ralph Shapey
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Sonata for Oboe and Piano: III. -
Ralph Shapey
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Sonata for Oboe and Piano: IV. -
Ralph Shapey
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Epitaph
Witold Lutoslawski
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Three Songs: Rat Riddle
Ruth Crawford Seeger
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Three Songs: Prayers of Steel
Ruth Crawford Seeger
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Three Songs: In Tall Grass
Ruth Crawford Seeger
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Adagio Sostenuto
Charles Ives
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Legend
Otto Luening
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