Hummel, J: Introduction, Theme and Variations in F minor Op. 102

These peerless recordings of Oboe Concertos are despatched with beautiful clarity by Ernest Rombout both playing the oboe and directing the Concertgebouw Chamber Orchestra

First volume in a major reissue series collecting all of Maurice Andre’s Erato recordings.

‘It is no exaggeration to say that during the last half-century Maurice André (b.1933) has had no competition as a trumpet soloist. His greatest legacy lies in the Erato catalogue: a prolific series of recordings that covers the majority of established instrumental composers of the Baroque and early Classical periods, with a plethora of Continental and British orchestras and several of the world’s leading organists (most notably, Marie-Claire Alain). André also studiously assembled a collection of dazzling twentieth-century works, both extant and commissioned. The reappearance of these recordings in such comprehensive formats — several works appear in different performances, while the majority appear on CD for the first time — reminds us how this supreme instrumentalist, perhaps unwittingly, lured an unsuspecting public to admire a solo trumpet as they would any other concerto instrument. Erato billed Maurice André as “Le Grand Trompettiste de Notre Temps”, not just because he could play better than any of his contemporaries but because of his influence; he gave the public music that was largely unknown and yet sounded somehow familiar, resonating so essentially in the most fertile and recognisable traditions of the instrument, namely the opulent and lyrical world of the mature.’ (Taken from the booklet essay by Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, trumpet player and Principal of the Royal Academy, London).

Where known, booklet includes original LP number, recording date and venue.

'My entire relation to music is such that I always try to go to the limits' (Heinz Holliger)

The artistry of Holliger (b.1939) prompted Evelyn Rothwell (Lady Barbirolli) to call him 'The Paganini of the oboe' Holliger's mastery of the oboe ranges over a vast expanse of repertoire, from the baroque to contemporary -- Bach to Berio and Zelenka to Zimmermann. His style is notable for its flexibility, agility, integrity and ability to communicate convincingly across the wide range of repertoire he performs. Holliger has done much to champion the oboe music of composers such as Zelenka and Krommer, and has also had over 100 works composed for him by composers including Berio, Carter, Henze, Ligeti, Lutoslawski, Penderecki and Stockhausen.

This 10CD collection provides a superb showcase for his artistry, spanning nearly 250 years of repertoire from the well known to the obscure, and to every one of the works here his unique and phenomenal technique to makes the interpretation sound effortless and flawless.

Other information

- Extensive booklet notes on each work, and a biographical essay on Holliger

- 'This is an enchanting performance: I do not believe that among modern recordings there is a better' Gramophone, November 1985 (Mozart Oboe Quartet)

To the present-day listener one of the most notable aspects of European concert music in the 19th century is the degree to which it became far less the preserve of the Church and the ruling classes. Many composers working in the early years of the century, Beethoven among them, were, to a lesser or greater extent, still working as employees of the Church or the wealthy aristocratic classes. This system of patronage was soon to break down and the role of the composer took on a more professional and academic character. The new-found freedom, and the advent of Romanticism in the arts as a whole, revitalised music throughout Europe; composers began to experiment with new forms, making their music more personal and innovative. This change of musical climate is clearly illustrated in this 17-CD set made up of works from most of the great composers of the time.