Rubbra: Sonata for oboe Op100; Trio Op68

On this CD:

1. Trio for piano & strings, Op 68 (in one movement)
Composed by Edmund Rubbra
Performed by Endymion Ensemble

2. Meditazioni sopra "Coeurs Désolés", Op. 67
Composed by Edmund Rubbra
Performed by Endymion Ensemble

3. Phantasy for 2 violins & piano, Op. 16
Composed by Edmund Rubbra
Performed by Endymion Ensemble

4. Sonata for Oboe & Piano in C major, Op. 100
Composed by Edmund Rubbra
Performed by Endymion Ensemble

5. Suite "The Buddha", Op. 64
Composed by Edmund Rubbra
Performed by Endymion Ensemble

6. Trio No. 2 for piano, Op. 138
Composed by Edmund Rubbra
Performed by Endymion Ensemble

7. Duo for English horn & piano, Op 156
Composed by Edmund Rubbra
Performed by Endymion Ensemble

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The chamber music of Edmund Rubbra (1901-1986) has much in common with that of Sir Arnold Bax. It's filled with lyric flourishes and clever instrumental exchanges that bring out the romantic character of Rubbra's artistic vision. An excellent example of this is the Piano Trio in One Movement, which opens the disc (it's also the longest work here). It starts with a rolling, dancelike caper, then shifts into a sweet, dolorous song exchange between cello and piano. These balanced instrumental exchanges continue in the beautiful and flirtatious Meditazioni sopra "Coeurs Desoles" for oboe and piano. The entire collection is uniformly engaging, and the Endymion Ensemble plays each work with obvious affection. It also helps that the disc comes with that excellent sound ambience Dutton Laboratories is known for. Highly recommended. --Paul Cook

Tracks:

Pno Trio In One Movt, Op.68: Andante Moderato, E Molto Flessibile/Episodio Scherzando/Tema... - Krysia Osostowicz/Jane Salmon/Michael Dussek
Meditazioni Sopra 'Coeurs Desoles', Op.67 - Melinda Maxwell/Michael Dussek
Fant, Op.16 - Krysia Osostowicz/Catherine Manson/Michael Dussek
Son in C, Op.100: 1. Con Moto - Melinda Maxwell/Michael Dussek
Son in C, Op.100: 2. Elegy (Lento) - Melinda Maxwell/Michael Dussek
Son in C, Op.100: 3. Presto - Melinda Maxwell/Michael Dussek
Ste, 'The Buddha', Op.64: 1. Prince Gautama - Helen Keen/Melinda Maxwell/Krysia Osostowicz/Catherine Manson/Jane Salmon
Ste, 'The Buddha', Op.64: 2. The Peasant Girl - Helen Keen/Melinda Maxwell/Krysia Osostowicz/Catherine Manson/Jane Salmon
Ste, 'The Buddha', Op.64: 3. The Ascetics - Helen Keen/Melinda Maxwell/Krysia Osostowicz/Catherine Manson/Jane Salmon
Ste, 'The Buddha', Op.64: 4. The Chariot Ride - Helen Keen/Melinda Maxwell/Krysia Osostowicz/Catherine Manson/Jane Salmon
Ste, 'The Buddha', Op.64: 5. The Buddha - Helen Keen/Melinda Maxwell/Krysia Osostowicz/Catherine Manson/Jane Salmon
Pno Trio No.2, Op.138: 1. Tempo Moderato E Deliberato - Krysia Osostowicz/Jane Salmon/Michael Dussek
Pno Trio No.2, Op.138: 2. Allegretto Scherzando - Krysia Osostowicz/Jane Salmon/Michael Dussek
Duo, Op.156 - Melinda Maxwell/Michael Dussek

Amazon.com

The chamber music of Edmund Rubbra (1901-1986) has much in common with that of Sir Arnold Bax. It's filled with lyric flourishes and clever instrumental exchanges that bring out the romantic character of Rubbra's artistic vision. An excellent example of this is the Piano Trio in One Movement, which opens the disc (it's also the longest work here). It starts with a rolling, dancelike caper, then shifts into a sweet, dolorous song exchange between cello and piano. These balanced instrumental exchanges continue in the beautiful and flirtatious Meditazioni sopra "Coeurs Desoles" for oboe and piano. The entire collection is uniformly engaging, and the Endymion Ensemble plays each work with obvious affection. It also helps that the disc comes with that excellent sound ambience Dutton Laboratories is known for. Highly recommended. --Paul Cook

Customer Reviews:

British chamber music at its best.......2007-06-21

The Endymion Ensemble, which specializes in British 20th century music, has delivered an outstanding assortment of Edmund Rubbra's chamber music with this disc. The seven pieces they've programmed are very, very appealing, especially the mysterious, swirling op. 16 Phantasy with its inventive, repeated motif that never seems to end (and you never want to end). Beautiful too, are the two oboe duos expertly performed by Melinda Maxwell (oboe) & Michael Dussek (piano): first, a short "Meditation"; then the Sonata for oboe & piano, which is an absolutely first rate work. The beefier works include a Piano Trio in one movement, which opens the disc, and Piano Trio No. 2, which is intelligently placed later in the program. The first trio suggests thematic connections with some of Rubbra's symphonic work; the second trio is throughly engaging, with sprightly melodies contrasting with a moody undercurrent. The other shorter pieces on this generously filled recital (77 minutes) include the Buddha Suite, which reflects Rubbra's early interest in eastern spirituality, and the gorgeous Duo for Cor Angelis & Piano, which is a very fitting conclusion to the disc.

It's hard to imagine why this music, which is so intrinsically attractive, appears to have been consigned to relative obscurity. I would include it in a desert island collection of chamber music & suggest others do the same.

Fine Controlled, Lyrical British Chamber Music.......2004-07-21

As the liner notes state, this recording bookends Rubbra's composition career, 1927-1980.

It consists of seven pieces, leading off is an exquisite piano trio with cello and violin. The longest piece on the recording being of twenty minutes, is blessed by a lovely, somber middle section (Cantabile e molto expressivo) which builds to a bell like ending. A delightful work with tempered and lilting interchange between the three.

The Oboe Sonata was written for the famous oboist Evelyn Rothwell and is popular for soloists. The harmonic shifts are evident finished off with a swirling rondo like piece with piano and oboe flurry.

The closing Duo for Piano and Cor Anglais is contemplative, well suited to the cor anglais' deep tonality. One of the last compositions done by Rubbra and this for Dutch oboist Peter Bree is fascinating as the piano continues in a chordal mode of dissonance. The darkness of the piece is similar to watching out a window on a dark night in a lonely state. It seems to always have one on edge, but with dignified playing by the oboist.

The Endymion Ensemble performs crisply and passionately here on this very fine recording. All chamber lovers will enjoy this pastoral and fine contribution.

Melinda Maxwell shines on the double reeds as well accompanied by fine piano work of Michael Dussek.

Music Track:

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