Masters of the Oboe

"This two CD set brings together eleven great composers: Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Marcello, Vaughan Williams, Ravel, Schumann, Britten, Poulenc and Stravinsky with their compositions for oboe. These are played by eight oboists: Black, Gomberg, Holliger, Koch, Mack, Nicklin, Schellenberger and Still. This is all world oboe team from Europe as well as states.
For many like me you will find both some familiar pieces and performers and some new ones to discover and delight in as well. New in this set for this reviewer was Strauss' Concerto in D Major for Oboe and Small Orchestra, played here wonderfully by Lothar Koch backed by Berliner Philharmonic. The Andante and Vivace were moving pieces! However, my favorite track which is also new is the Finale/Presto to Beethoven's Trio in C Major for 2 Oboes and English Horn.
This collection also allowed me to be acquainted with an oboist previously not known to me, Celia Nicklin. She performs Vaughan Williams Concerto for Oboe and Strings, ably backed by Academy of St. Martin in the Fields with Sir Neville. This pastoral work is dreamy and flowing, and Nicklin's playing enhances this with clarity and clear tonal sound.
Black's stylistic playing is very evident and carrys the day on Mozart's Quartet in F Major for Oboe and Strings, especially his fine delivery on the Rondeau.
Such a nice collection of composers and oboists that should be purchased, given and listened to with joy."
(Amazon.com)