Composer: Christopher Tyler Nickel
Performer: Mary Lynch Vanderkolk, Paige Robert Molloy, Eduardo Rios, Andy Liang, Olivia Chew, Efe Baltacigil
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Avie
Catalogue: AV2558
Release: 2022
Size: 1.08 GB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Sonata for Oboe
01. I. Andante cantabile
02. II. Andante Lacrimoso
03. III. Allegro agitato
Sonata for Oboe d’amore
04. I. Andante
05. II. Andante cantabile
06. III. Allegro con fuoco
Suite for Unaccompanied Oboe
07. I. Giocoso
08. II. Largo con dolore
09. III. Con fuoco
10. IV. Cantabile con rubato
Quintet for Oboe d’amore
11. I. Moderato
12. II. Reflectively
13. III. Andante
14. IV. Con fuoco
The soulful sounds of the oboe and oboe d’amore infuse the expressive, lyrical new album of solo and chamber works by award-winning Canadian composer Christopher Tyler Nickel.
The star of the show is Seattle Symphony principal Mary Lynch VanderKolk, whose artistry plays a vital role in Chris’ compositional process. He explains, “I find ways to incorporate her strengths and personality into expressing the music’s emotions.” The Oboe Sonata, dedicated to Mary, is by turns haunting and pastoral, navigating the full three-octave range of the instrument.
The Sonata for Oboe d’amore demonstrates the large timbral and emotional range of the oboe’s lower-pitched cousin, from darkness to light. Undaunted by the historic canon of iconic solo instrumental works already in existence, Chris – an oboist himself – created a tour de force with his Suite for Unaccompanied Oboe, a work Mary describes as “more cinematic” than his other concert works, not surprising perhaps given his countless award-winning TV, film, and theatrical scores.
The album concludes with what is surely the only Oboe d’amore Quintet ever composed. The instrument’s plaintive tone takes centre stage against the backdrop of string quartet, as the work moves from serenity, melancholy, and nostalgia, before ending with an invigorating finale that brings the inspiring album to a close.