James Turnbull (oboe) Elizabeth Burgess (Piano) Benjamin Britten Two Insect Pieces
24/11/2011 St John's Smith Square, London, SW1 An exceptionally rewarding, well attended recital at St John's, with an ideally balanced programme. It must surely feature in his next recording, hopefully with his regular partner Elizabeth Burgess, whose contribution to this recital gave huge pleasure. The duo's approach was pleasantly informal in dress and manner; no leaving the platform between items. Turnbull gave succinct spoken introductions to each piece which helped the audience to feel involved in the event. James Turnbull's first CD was on sale and is warmly recommended: Berkeley, Davies X 2, MacMillan, Matthews & Woolrich Berkeley, Michael:
Fierce Tears I
& II; Second Still Life for Oboe & Harp James Turnbull (oboe), Huw Watkins (piano) & Claire Jones (harp) Quartz: CD QTZ2081 A splendid CD of contemporary oboe music compiled by a leading oboist of the younger generation, one whose comprehensive website too is very much of today and well worth exploring. Peter Grahame Woolf
Turnbull Photo Chaehong Lim |