Composer

:

William Alwyn

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

Dec 12, 1977

First Performance

:

Dec 18, 1979

Average_duration

:

20:28

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

'Invocations' is a composition for solo oboe and string orchestra, composed by William Alwyn in 1957. The piece was premiered on 17th October 1957 at the Royal Festival Hall in London, with the oboist Janet Craxton and the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Sir Adrian Boult. The composition consists of three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, marked 'Moderato', is a lyrical and expressive piece that showcases the oboe's ability to sing and soar above the string orchestra. The second movement, marked 'Allegro', is a lively and rhythmic scherzo that features playful interplay between the oboe and the strings. The final movement, marked 'Lento', is a hauntingly beautiful adagio that explores the darker and more introspective side of the oboe's sound. Throughout the piece, Alwyn employs a wide range of orchestral colors and textures, using the strings to create a rich and varied backdrop for the solo oboe. He also makes use of extended techniques, such as flutter-tonguing and glissandi, to add further depth and complexity to the oboe's sound. 'Invocations' is a highly expressive and emotional work that showcases both the technical and musical abilities of the oboe. It is a testament to Alwyn's skill as a composer that he was able to create such a powerful and evocative piece for a relatively small ensemble.

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