Alan Danson – Six Miniatures for Double Reed Trio (Oboe, Cor Anglais & Bassoon)

Composed for the Peartree Trio of Peoria in the U.S.A., each miniature is a musical character in terms of styles, settings and trends of yesteryear and today. The Knot Garden evokes the ornate design of gardens of the Elizabethan age and contains many turns and ornaments, providing a good platform to demonstrate the unique blend of double reed players. At the other extreme Double Reed Workout in 7/8 time gives trio members a consistent work out of parts and a modern feel to this historical combination of instruments. The Old Eccentric with ungainly intervals, melodic lines and little turns of phrase represents an old world of mustaches, monocles and old Bentleys. The closing movement Concert Champetre is a playful Gigue in the mood of Champetre times of the past.

Review: "This collection of short vignettes is in a variety of delightful styles with moderate technical demands. The musical challenges are more profound in this piece for advanced double reed players." – The Instrumentalist, October 2000

Biography

Danson, Alan

Alan Danson's studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London were in Horn, Piano and Orchestration. After leaving college in 1974, he worked as a freelance horn player in West End shows, with Ballet companies, Symphony Orchestras and studios, whilst retaining his interest in composition. He has directed the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in commercial work, worked as an arranger for BBC TV and composed for TV commercials. He is also involved in musical education. His development as a composer was as a result of his work experience in studying scores, observing compositional techniques whilst playing and directing groups, and composing for various musical combinations. See www.sounddimensionsmusic.com