Caprice
Allen Brings
About this work:
A recipe for Caprice for oboe and piano would call for liberal amounts of pepperþboth black and greenþwith an occasional dollop of maple syrup. Both instruments willingly co-operate in combining the ingredients of this recipe: both show their unique
capacities for exceedingly short, steely-edged attacks, sometimes exploiting extreme ranges, yet both also agree on when to cajole or caress with pliant melodic lines and warm harmonic sonorities.
Both are, however, uncompromising in their views and never hesitate to make them known, even if the moments of revelation are often unexpected.
If Caprice is, indeed, "capricious," its phrase structure, nevertheless, is clear and its formal plan, while unconventional, forthright. Each of Caprice's three main sections is distinguishable in tempo and expressive intent and displays its own peculiar increases and releases of tension. The final climax of the piece occurs near the end, when thematic material from the beginning returns with renewed vigor. The piece concludes with a sly wink by the pianist.
Composed in 1996, Caprice was given its first performance by Ronald Roseman and the composer at a concert at Queens College honoring the 75th birthday of their colleague Leo Kraft.
Score and part available from Mira Music Associates. Contact: miramusic@aol.com
Version: oboe & piano
Year composed: 1996
Duration: 00:06:38
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:Keyboard plus One Instrument
Instrumentation: 1 Oboe, 1 Piano