Concerto

Oboe and guitar orchestra Born in 1747 (according to this edition), Cimarosa was a prolific composer for a variety of instruments and for orchestra and opera too. The opening movement has a straightforward cheekiness about it, and though the guitar parts are primarily acting as continuo, there is a lot more musical interest than in other music where composers have tried to include a guitar for its ownsake! The four guitars stay in pitch order, much as a string quartet, but the complexity is shared equally. The second movement combines a lightly articulated solo line with the guitars providing sustain. And though the guitar seldom succeeds in slow music, this is very effective, with just enough movement to keep the volume, and just enough musical interest to support the soloist. The third movement begins in C minor, with a gentle andantino, but moves into a 6/8 allegro where, from the guitarists' point of view, the hard work is where it belongs - on the oboe. A surprisingly easy work, and one, despite its title, that can be played on four conventional guitars. Derek Hasted (Classical Guitar Magazine)