Post Description

The sounds of modern oboes and "period" oboes are very different. The former is piquant but penetrating, perhaps lean, while the latter is more pungent, even a bit musty. In the end, the two instruments can be substituted for each other with good success, as demonstrated by this first volume of the complete oboe concertos of Georg Philipp Telemann by virtuoso oboist Sarah Francis. She chooses a modern instrument, and although some antiquarians might object to her choice, few could argue against its effectiveness. Ably accompanied by the London Harpsichord Ensemble, Francis leaps and bounds through the outer movements of the major key concertos, sings and sighs through the central movements of the minor key concertos, and capers and gambols through the lithe and lovely Oboe d'amore Concerto. Originally recorded in clear, crisp sound in 1992 by Unicorn Kanchana Records and re-released in 2002 by Regis, this disc will likely please fans of Telemann and fans of the oboe -- perhaps even those who prefer the "period" instrument.