Lebrun: Oboe Concertos

Ambrose King, Nancy, Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra, Swerling, Jeremy

97009

Ludwig August Lebrun (1752-1790) studied oboe with his father, Alexander Lebrun, an immigrant to Germany from Brussels and principal oboist with the renowned Mannheim Orchestra. Ludwig absorbed the Mannheim tradition from an early age, gaining experience playing in the orchestra as an apprentice. He also studied science and philosophy. He was named a Court Musician at age fifteen -one of the youngest ever to receive this honor- and held the position for the rest of his life despite being almost continually absent on concert tours.

The eminent German critic, Christian Friedrich Daniel Schubart (1739-1791), appraised Ludwig Lebrun with superlatives: "One of the greatest musical geniuses that I have ever come across. He has attained the maximum in perfection on the oboe. His ornaments, inventions and cadenzas are inimitable… a true magician on the oboe… his compositions are exceedingly fine and sweet, like drops of nectar.”

Lebrun’s Oboe Concertos, written in the Mannheim style, are very attractive works, full of melodic inventiveness and instrumental brilliance.

Played by Nancy Ambrose King (oboe) and the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Jeremy Swerling.

Reissue of a 2002 recording originally issued on the Cala label.

Works:

•Lebrun, L: Oboe Concerto in D minor, André No. 1
•Lebrun, L: Oboe Concerto in G minor, André No. 2
•Lebrun, L: Oboe Concerto No. 7 in F major

CD x 1

Brilliant Classics

2024-01-19

5028421970097