Refined English works performed by the Wigmore Soloists
Upcoming release - available starting 17th November 2023
Following their critically acclaimed albums of Schubert (BIS-2597), Mozart and Birchall (BIS-2647), works for clarinet trio (BIS-2535) and, more recently, Beethoven and Berwald (BIS-2707), the Wigmore Soloists now turn their attention to twentieth-century English chamber works which, while eschewing some of the continentâs modernist tendencies, are both deeply personal and supremely written, highlighting the specific colours of each of the instruments.
Howard Fergusonâs Octet, a direct and engaging work, was the first of his works to attract attention. Fergusonâs skill is brilliantly demonstrated in this tonally ambiguous work, which takes its instrumentation from Schubertâs famous Octet. The main characteristic of Sir Arthur Blissâs Clarinet Quintet, like those of Mozart and Brahms with the same instrumental line-up, is its intense, overtly emotional lyricism, but the sunny, extrovert aspects of Blissâs character ultimately prevail in the brilliantly energetic finale. Robin Hollowayâs Serenade in C for octet is the most recent work on this disc, and also features the instrumentation of Schubertâs Octet, which the composer acknowledges as a model. Few contemporary composers display as keen a sense of humour as Holloway who wished here to give âan affectionate twist to tonal common practice and light-music clichĂ©s all the way from Biedermeier Vienna to Southend Pierâ.
Octet, Op. 4
Composed By â Howard Ferguson (3)
(19:56)
1 I. Moderato 5:22
2 II. Allegro Scherzoso 3:32
3 III. Andantino 5:20
4 IV. Allegro Feroce 5:27
Clarinet Quintet, F.20
Composed By â Arthur Bliss
(28:00)
5 I. Moderato 5:45
6 II. Allegro Molto 7:34
7 III. Adagietto Expressivo 8:19
8 IV. Allegro Energico 6:04
Serenade In C For Octet, Op. 41
Composed By â Robin Holloway
(25:15)
9 I. Marcia 6:40
10 II. Menuetto Alla Tarantella 3:16
11 III. Andante 5:47
12 IV. Menuetto - Trio 5:28
13 V. Finale 3:48
