The oboe concerto is fine, no doubt about it (and yes -- it definitely needs a commercial release!), but I remember also being a bit disappointed when I heard it for the first time. I was excited about the prospect of Williams' returning to woodwinds after the fantastic "Five Sacred Trees" bassoon concerto (great buy, Josh!) and his general brilliance when it comes that instrument group. Alas, it was a bit more 'detached' than the bassoon concerto and didn't quite grab me the same way.
I'm still waiting for the Viola Concerto, premiered in 2009. It was (and remains) posted on YouTube in what looks to be a pirated cell phone video. (How do they get away with such things?) I really don't want my first experience of the piece to come in such a dismal and dubious format.
Ian, I don't know the answer to your question. You might try contacting the BSO and ask them, or ask Amazon, since Amazon carries the concerto, as I mentioned above. In fact, why not see if you can order it from Amazon/UK?
I have a feeling I posted this before, but I can't find the thread or the link. Preston, if you have the inclination and the ability to make a CD cover for your digital download purchase of the Oboe Concerto, I made a jewel case insert here: http://oi62.tinypic.com/2h73xon.jpg
I'm still waiting for the Viola Concerto, premiered in 2009. It was (and remains) posted on YouTube in what looks to be a pirated cell phone video. (How do they get away with such things?) I really don't want my first experience of the piece to come in such a dismal and dubious format.
I have a reduction for slightly smaller ensemble, so like you I'm still waiting for a recording of the full symphonic version.
Heck, there's still a bunch of unreleased Williams concert works! This is just the top of the iceberg.
I would leap at your opportunity, but alas I, the Luddite Cyberpunk, am not really a downloader, for better or worse. (And I guess in this case, it's for the worse.) Your image is great, but since I don't even have the download, let alone a transfer to disc…
The download doesn't appear to be available on the UK Amazon site unfortunately. I'll have to contact the BSO to see what their overseas download policies are.
Yes it is a more intimate work, by nature of the smaller ensemble and scope, just having a string orchestra and the solo oboe. Williams highlights the lyric qualities of the solo instrument and does not expand that with the orchestral forces like he did with the other more or less rather "softer" instruments, bassoon, flute etc.
I agree with Thor, there is tons of non-film-music works not released, the piano /orchestra work I am looking forward to kn particular. Isn't there a string quartet also among them?
Purchased and downloaded, from UK, and now listening. Sounds beautiful, but then I'm a 'sucker' for that mournful oboe sound and for Williams's style anyway.
Yes it is a more intimate work, by nature of the smaller ensemble and scope, just having a string orchestra and the solo oboe. Williams highlights the lyric qualities of the solo instrument and does not expand that with the orchestral forces like he did with the other more or less rather "softer" instruments, bassoon, flute etc.
I agree with Thor, there is tons of non-film-music works not released, the piano /orchestra work I am looking forward to kn particular. Isn't there a string quartet also among them?
Not a string quartet, as far as I know, but a great unreleased piece is the La Jolla Quartet for violin, cello, clarinet and harp.
Yes it is a more intimate work, by nature of the smaller ensemble and scope, just having a string orchestra and the solo oboe. Williams highlights the lyric qualities of the solo instrument and does not expand that with the orchestral forces like he did with the other more or less rather "softer" instruments, bassoon, flute etc.
I agree with Thor, there is tons of non-film-music works not released, the piano /orchestra work I am looking forward to kn particular. Isn't there a string quartet also among them?
Not a string quartet, as far as I know, but a great unreleased piece is the La Jolla Quartet for violin, cello, clarinet and harp.
The La Jolla Quartet 2011 premiere (starts around 25 minutes)
It would be great to get a new recording of the Clarinet Concerto. The existing one has awful sound. But I have read the work has not even been published, so performers interested in the work cannot play it.
Well, this has suddenly turned into a thread about all Williams concert pieces, not only the oboe concerto. Sorry, Preston!
It would be great to get a new recording of the Clarinet Concerto. The existing one has awful sound. But I have read the work has not even been published, so performers interested in the work cannot play it.
Yes, this really needs a proper recording. The mp3 release with Michele Zukovsky has atrocious sound quality (and is probably juridically dubious in the first place). It sounds weird that the score sheets are not available, though.
