Ellen Taaffe Zwilich: Oboe Concerto · Symphony no. 3 · Concerto Grosso (1995)

AMG
Zwilich once remarked that her frequent excursions into the art of concerto writing are particularly pleasant as they give her the opportunity to consider the special character any instrument has, which she can deeply explore in her work. She considers virtuosity (the putative goal of concertos) to lie in realms other than fleetness of fingers and breath. "In the case of the oboe," she said, "it seems to me that a soloist's highest virtuosity is displayed in the way a phrase is shaped…in the intense vocal artistry of the finest solo player." Therefore, this 17-minute concerto, without slighting the audience's expectation for brilliant display, has a particular emphasis on lyrical melody, testing the soloist's ability to achieve beautiful singing. Since the oboe has a naturally soulful, thoughtful quality, these qualities predominate in the concerto. The work is in two movements, played without pause. Those opening "family trio" chords generate the main musical material, bringing the music to three powerful waves of emotion and then ending on a peaceful, if slightly lonely, statement.

Tracklist

Symphony No. 3 (1992)
Maestoso e Catabile
Molto Vivace
Largo

Concerto for Oboe and Orchestra (1990)

Concerto Grosso (1985)
(To Handel's Sonata in D)
Maestoso
Presto
Largo
Prest
Maestoso


John Mack, oboe
The Louisville Orchestra
James Sedares, conductor