Search - William Alwyn, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia :: Alwyn: Oboe Concerto; Three Concerti Grossi

One of the most beautiful Oboe recordings ever made!

saint eyebeat | knoxville, tn United States | 05/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was listening to a program on NPR from the University of Southern California called the "Record Shelf." At least, I think that was the name. In any event, on that particular day they were playing what they considered to be the very best recordings available featuring the oboe. This CD was on that list. After hearing it on the radio, I purchased it immediately. It is not my absolute favorite Oboe recording but it is my second favorite. This is the premier recording of this Oboe Concerto. The Chandos sound is marvelous. Nicholas Daniel on oboe and Richard Hickox as conductor of the London Sinfonia create a haunting fantasia of sound on the first track of this recording. This Oboe Concerto was initially performed at a Henry Wood Promenade Concert in 1949 by Evelyn Rothwell. It is one of the finest pieces of 20th century music. The remaining four tracks on this disc are equally beautiful but my favorite is the Oboe Concerto. If you want to get to know William Alwyn better, if you love the oboe or if you're just looking for beautiful and mysterious melodies then you'll enjoy this recording."

Pastoral Concerto Offering

rodboomboom | Dearborn, Michigan United States | 05/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This composer is new to me, and glad that somehow I became aware and dared to purchase this CD.Alwyn was himself a virtuoso flutist and composer, thus he very much can relate to the woodwinds. Hence, the great Oboe Concerto played masterfully by Nicholas Daniel. Learning that this was composed during WWII to reflect the British countryside for which Alwyn longed, one gleans the pastoral sounds that emanate from this peaceful, flowing work, gracefully played.The three Concerto Grossos are fine, especially the third, with its full, rich complement of brass, winds and strings. This exhibits one of Alwyn's strengths, the blending of the various orchestral sections."