Discography
The Singing Oboe: Romantic German Lied Transcriptions
From Andrew Parker: I was often told to sing, so to speak, when I play my instrument. The concept always sounded so good and right, but what does it really mean? Is it simply a way to think about using vibrato? Is it a way to better understand voicing intervals? It is those things, without a doubt, but I believe it is far more intimate than a method by which to approach the mechanical facets of playing an instrument; it is an act of alchemy. Instrumentalists must, through mindful, passionate practice, transform our instrument into our voice. Our instruments must become another singing part of our body. It is ultimately an act of letting go of the belief that the instrument is a thing that is separate from ourselves in any way. Only then can the music be channeled through us with clarity, depth, and emotional heft.
Portraits in Music - Works for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano
The Iowa Ensemble presents Portraits in Music, a program created to be as intellectually stimulating as it is pleasing to the ear. Through the sounds of Brazil, England, France, Spain, and the American Southwest, the works reflect five distinct musical personalities. More than simply alluring exoticism, however, these pieces provide realistic and highly descriptive representations of their chosen settings. Three of the composers draw specifically upon their own whereabouts, while the remaining two draw on nearby or visited places. These five portraits are, essentially, a sonic travelogue of contemporary art music.
Handel: The "Halle" Sonatas, Hwv 380-385
The cheery melodic lines percolate around one another. The music is delicious. These six sonatas have the catalog numbers 380 to 385 in Handel’s collected works. They might or might not be by Handel. One attribution to him asserts that he was only 10 years old when he wrote these. They remind me of Zelenka’s works with the agile bassoon lines. Whoever created them, they are terrific. The ensemble has no name. It is an ad hoc group of faculty members from three Ameri- can universities. There are two oboists, one bassoonist, and one harpsichordist. The instruments are modern. The outside of the packaging doesn’t say who any of the performers are, and there are no timings. The musicianship is outstanding, a lively interaction among friends. After a performance this good I wanted more. American Record Guide, 2018, LEHMAN
