Musical Menagerie

Sonatina in C Minor for Oboe and Basso Continuo, RV 53

by Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)

• Adagio
• Allegro
• Andante
• Allegro

The Italian composer and virtuoso violinist Antonio Vivaldi is one of the greatest voices of the Baroque. He wrote a phenomenal amount of music in his lifetime: over five hundred concertos, forty-six operas and numerous sonatas! He wrote this Sonatina in C Minor for oboe and continuo in the early seventeenth century. The oboe plays expressive melodies with basso continuo, the harmonic support provided by the keyboard. The slow movements display the intimate and soulful qualities of the oboe, while the faster movements dance with constant, jubilant energy.

Romance for Horn and Piano

by Elizabeth Raum (b.1945)

Elizabeth Raum is a renowned, award-winning Canadian composer with a wide variety of important commissions. She is highly prolific and has written in virtually every genre; her music is appealing and accessible. The Romance for Horn and Piano was originally commissioned by the Canadian Music Competition as a test piece for French horn, and was later arranged for trombone, bassoon and cello. The music is proud, expansive and steeped in lush harmonies.

Trio for Oboe, Viola and Piano, Op.34

by Adolf Ruthardt (1849-1934)

• Allegro
• Ballade – Andante
• Rondo – Allegretto grazioso

German composer Adolf Ruthardt, the respected pianist and composer, eventually gained a professorship at the Leipzig Conservatory. He mostly composed for piano, but in 1890 he made a foray into chamber music, perhaps inspired by his professional oboist father, and composed the Trio for Oboe, Viola and Piano, Op.34. Written in three movements, it is a poetic work of varying colours and textures, experimental harmonies and delightful instrumental exchange.

Ballade in F Minor for Viola and Piano

by Minna Nerenstein Keal (1909-1999)

British composer Minna Keal studied composition at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Upon graduating, she left music behind for family obligations, and didn’t return to music and composition until she was sixty-five! She continued composing for the rest of her life, with great success. The Ballade for Viola and Piano was written in 1929 in her graduating year at college, and resurfaced for her eightieth birthday concert celebration. The piece unfolds as a leisurely narrative with moods ranging from dreamy and reflective to passionate and emotive.

Trio in A Minor for Oboe, Horn and Piano, Op.188

by Carl Reinecke (1824-1910)

• Allegro moderato
• Scherzo – Molto vivace
• Adagio
• Finale – Allegro ma non troppo

Reinecke had an extraordinary career, being a renowned conductor and pianist, prolific composer, esteemed professor and important mentor to the next generation of composers and pianists. He wrote for orchestra, piano, voice and various chamber music combinations. The Trio, Op.188 was composed in 1886-87 for the unique combination of oboe, horn and piano. The work is rich in melody, beautifully proportioned and exhibits the warmth and grace so typical of his style. The music draws out the best of the three instruments as they converse and intertwine their melodies in perfect balance.