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Harrison Birtwistle, 29 Orpheus Elegies. Oboe Classics CC2020, 2009

The Elegies, based on Rilke’s Sonnets to Orpheus, are a highly innovative and challenging exploration of the voice of the oboe. The score and its recording are the result of a collaborative process between Maxwell and Birtwistle that lasted almost a decade. Several initial live performances led to revisions, including the addition of a texted counter-tenor voice for certain of the Elegies. At times, the composer employs unusual sounds derived from certain extended techniques, particularly multiphonics that speak together forming chords that have unusual pitch formation, mostly non-diatonic. These sounds are integral to the oboe, and, according to the composer, can indicate a primeval character in a modern context (see the interview between Maxwell and Birtwistle in the sleeve notes). Maxwell prepared a chart of progressions based on examples she demonstrated to the composer, who was particularly drawn to pitches that transformed into multiphonics. Many potential sounds were tried and tested in rehearsal; some were discarded, others not. Careful consideration was given to divulging to the composer the best sequence of relevant acoustical materials, which were subsequently written into the composition. Maxwell also assisted the composer in editing details from the manuscript to the eventual published score, because live performances often revealed better tempi or dynamics. The work was considerably revised in preparation for this recording, made in 2008. During the rehearsals Birtwistle offered further insights into the musicians’ interpretations of phrase, nuance, pace and dynamics, and this recording is the culmination of the entire process. The composer then attended and influenced this first complete recording, although the process remained collaborative. The recording is distributed internationally, and the work is widely performed by students and professionals; Maxwell has performed the Elegies at the Holland and Bregenz Festivals and will give a further performance at the Brighton Festival in May 2014.