Focus on the Oboe

A short concert of 20th and 21st century works, showcasing the oboe's distinctive voice.

Celebrating the colours and expressive range of the oboe, this concert begins with an overlooked gem in Bacewicz’s spiky neo-classical trio. Helen Grime’s ‘Five Northeastern Scenes’ continues the composer’s exploration of music and visual art, portraying the landscape in which she grew up via Joan Eardley’s haunting landscape paintings. Knussen’s dancing work for solo piano creates an interlude of uneasy charm, before Martinů’s angular and lyrical quartet brings together all four instruments for a thrilling finale.

Programme

• BACEWICZ: Trio for Oboe, Violin & Cello (10’)
• GRIME: Five Northeastern Scenes (12’)
• KNUSSEN: Ophelia’s Last Dance (9’)
• MARTINŮ: Quartet for Oboe, Violin, Cello & Piano (12’)