Michael Boyman

Concertino for Oboe, English Horn, and Strings

Concertino is about relationships and how they change over time. My first goal in writing the piece was to create two distinct characters; in this case; the Oboe and English Horn. The Oboe begins with a berceuse-like melody; while the English Horn's entrance is more ambiguous and rhythmically jagged. Over the course of the piece; these two characters interact through a variety of musical settings; their material or personalities continually developing. The strings; more than mere accompaniment; provide commentary on the dramatic action; much like a Greek chorus. They establish each musical scene; interact with the two woodwinds; and further develop the musical material. And while there is a strong concertante element in the piece; it is essentially chamber music. There is a conversational quality; a sense of give-and-take between everyone involved that makes the two woodwinds first among equals as opposed to featured concert soloists. Each of the eight instruments has something unique and important to say. --Michael Boyman