COMPOSERS: Handel
LABELS: Unicorn-Kanchana
WORKS: Oboe Concertos and Sonatas
PERFORMER: Sarah Francis (oboe, director)London Harpsichord Ensemble
CATALOGUE NO: DKP(CD) 9153 DDD
Here is all Handel’s music for solo oboe – three concertos, four sonatas, and one recently discovered in-between piece scored for oboe, two violins and continuo. Handel writes for the instrument sympathetically, especially in the slow movements. Sarah Francis has an appealing way with these, though her tone can tend towards the fulsome. If the music is sometimes undercharacterised, the ensemble’s playing is nevertheless neat. Forward sound. George Hall
Handel: Oboe Concertos and Sonatas
Here is all Handel’s music for solo oboe – three concertos, four sonatas, and one recently discovered in-between piece scored for oboe, two violins and continuo. Handel writes for the instrument sympathetically, especially in the slow movements. Sarah Francis has an appealing way with these, though her tone can tend towards the fulsome. If the music is sometimes undercharacterised, the ensemble’s playing is nevertheless neat. Forward sound. George Hall
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:31 pm