Cor Anglais recital -
Alison Teale

Orchestral musicians are putting down recordings for posterity in ever increasing numbers.

I have only recently become aware that "doubling" is an official study option, and Alison Teale, who teaches oboe at the Guildhall, is an enterprising exponent of that sub-specialty.

Her cor anglais recital programme is wide ranging; I didn't think the Falla was a good starter, but from Messiaen on there are enough interesting pieces to intrigue everyone. The Rubbra is a little mournful, as befits the instrument (think of The Swan of Tuonela) and Bozza's Divertimento is also more serious than its title indicates. But Lucchetti takes the instrument into exciting virtuoso realms and Hindemith can always be relied upon for a sonata (he played every instrument and wrote sonatas for them all).

A worth-while exploration of possibilities, which may tempt young oboists to save up for a cor anglais. Well put together and enjoyable listening. Hear Alison live at The Forge, Camden on Dec 11th.

Peter Grahame Woolf