Four Metamorphoses After Britten

SKU: BT.MUSM570362288

English.

Metamorphoses after Britten was written for Melinda Maxwell, for UYMP's Signals volume of new music for Oboe. It was first performed by Melinda at York University on 24th November 2010. I - A Mountain II - Fixation III - Flowers IV - Fountains Metamorphoses after Britten by philipvenables Metamorphoses after Britten are just that: four miniatures, each inspired by one of Benjamin Britten’s Six Metamorphoses after Ovid for solo oboe. Each movement, over its short course, transforms gradually from one thing to another, ending, with the exception of Fountains, in a short, cathartic coda. Some of the movements also take specific musical elements from Britten’s pieces. I verymuch viewed these pieces as musical Haiku, and in that sense I hope they embody a sense of peace, brevity and simplicity. The oboe version of Metamorphoses after Britten is dedicated to Melinda Maxwell. The saxophone version of Metamorphoses after Britten, with an additional movement, is dedicated to Vicki and Andrew Vaughan      - Philip Venables     .

SKU: BT.MUSM570362158

English.

This collection of oboe music, written by living composers, is an invaluable resource for any oboist of Grade 8 and conservatoire standard who is curious about widening their repertoire, and exploring the various languages of modern music. The term modern music can alienate many minds who may think it will be too difficult technically; aurally unknown and therefore unsatisfying; harmful or damaging to their musical sensibility. To all these points this volume has the answers. Every one of these pieces requires challenging technical skills demanded of any of the more traditional oboe repertoire, and additionally they will improve technique. Each piece portrays a characterand language that is approachable and compelling. Far from damaging musical sensibility these musical types will open the ear and enrich the spirit. Some are physically demanding and require very good breath control, others need patience in learning new fingerings and timbres, and some travel to extreme registers. But, in all cases, the effort will be rewarding, and not only that, the knowledge gained about the oboe and how it works will be equally entertaining and stimulating.