Albrecht Mayer, renowned oboe virtuoso, presents a captivating journey through the world of classical music with his album "Vocalise". Released on October 13, 2016, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this album is a testament to Mayer's exceptional skill and versatility. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes, "Vocalise" is a collection of meticulously arranged pieces, showcasing the oboe's expressive range and Mayer's interpretive depth.
The album features a diverse repertoire, from Baroque masterpieces by Handel to Romantic favorites by Fauré, and even a touch of modern classical with a piece by Toru Takemitsu. Mayer's arrangements, often featuring the oboe in dialogue with orchestral ensembles, reveal the instrument's lyrical and dramatic capabilities. Notable tracks include the hauntingly beautiful "Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte" by Fauré, the virtuosic "Oboe Concerto in D Minor" by Albinoni, and the tender "Clair de Lune" by Debussy, each reimagined to highlight the oboe's unique voice.
"Vocalise" is not just a display of technical prowess but also a celebration of the oboe's expressive potential. Mayer's nuanced phrasing and rich tone bring a vocal quality to the instrument, making each piece feel like a personal conversation. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Vocalise" offers a compelling exploration of the oboe's timeless allure.
Trio Sonata for 2 Violins and Continuo in G Minor, HWV 393 "Dresden" No. 2: III. Largo (Arr. for Oboe, Violin, Harpsichord and Orchestra by Andreas Tarkmann)George Frideric Handel, Albrecht Mayer, Sinfonia Varsovia, Jakub Haufa, Monika Razynska
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte, M.19 (Arr. for Oboe & Orchestra)Maurice Ravel, Albrecht Mayer, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Mathias Mönius
3 Romances, Op. 94: No. 2 Einfach, innigRobert Schumann, Albrecht Mayer, Markus Becker
Pavane, Op.50 (Arr. For Oboe d'amore & Orchestra)Gabriel Fauré, Albrecht Mayer, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Mathias Mönius
Sperai vicino, K. 368 (Transcr. Mayer for Oboe)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Albrecht Mayer, Claudio Abbado, Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Rinaldo / Act II: "Lascia ch'io pianga" (Arr. for Oboe, Harpsichord and Orchestra)George Frideric Handel, Albrecht Mayer, Monika Razynska, Sinfonia Varsovia
Magnificat in D Major, BWV 243: IX. Aria. Esurientes implevit bonis (Arr. Tarkmann for Cor anglais & Ensemble)Johann Sebastian Bach, Albrecht Mayer, Sinfonia Varsovia
Suite No. 11 in D Minor, HWV 437: Sarabande (Arr. for Oboe, Oboe d'amore and English Horn by Andreas Tarkmann)George Frideric Handel, Albrecht Mayer
Clair de Lune, L. 75 (Arr. for Oboe and Orchestra)Claude Debussy, Albrecht Mayer, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Mathias Mönius
"Will the Sun Forget to Streak" from Oratorio 'Solomon', HWV 67 (Arr. for Oboe, Violin, Harpsichord and Orchestra)George Frideric Handel, Albrecht Mayer, Sinfonia Varsovia, Jakub Haufa, Monika Razynska
Hänsel und Gretel: Abends will ich schlafen gehn (Arr. for Oboe and Chorus)Engelbert Humperdinck, Albrecht Mayer, The King's Singers
Concerto For Violin And Strings In F Minor, Op. 8, No. 4, RV 297 "L'inverno" - Arr. Albrecht Mayer: 2. Largo (Arr. Oboe & Strings)Antonio Vivaldi, Albrecht Mayer, New Seasons Ensemble
Canzone "Se Morto Me Brami" (Arr. For Oboe & Orchestra)Benedetto Marcello, Albrecht Mayer, New Seasons Ensemble
Alcina, HWV 34 / Act II: "Verdi prati" (Arr. for Oboe d'amore, Strings and Basso Continuo)George Frideric Handel, Albrecht Mayer, Jakub Haufa, Monika Razynska, Sinfonia Varsovia
A Chloris (Arr. For Cor Anglais & Orchestra)Reynaldo Hahn, Albrecht Mayer, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Mathias Mönius
Oboe Concerto in D Minor S.Z799: 2. AdagioAlessandro Marcello, Albrecht Mayer, New Seasons Ensemble
Variations For Oboe & Piano, Op. 39: 4. Lento, molto tranquiloJulius Weismann, Albrecht Mayer, Markus Becker