Two Romances
Convivium Music commissioned a 15 minute piece, Two Romances from Huw Watkins for Nicholas Daniel, oboe and Julius Drake, piano.
This first commission came about in 2001 with a chance remark by Nicholas Daniel on BBC Radio 3 In Tune ……..
“We are commissioning a piece of music to mark the 21st anniversary of our duo partnership. If anyone out there would like to pay for it, please let me know.”
……..and was the inspiration for Convivium Music to be prompted into existence. It gave Lincoln the chance to host that anniversary concert and the World Premiere of the new piece. “Two Romances” is now regularly in Nicholas Daniels’ repertoire.
First performance – September 17th 2002 The Lawn, Lincoln UK
Second performance – September 19th 2002 Wigmore Hall London
Third performance – April 7th 2003 Brockenhurst Music Society
Fourth performance – April 10th 2003 Hereford Concert Society
Broadcast – January 18th 2007 in a BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert
Published by Schott Music
Programme note for Two Romances
“When the opportunity arose to write a new piece for Nicholas Daniel, I wanted most of all to exploit his lyricism and his gift for communication. These two Romances are narrative rather than overtly Romantic. The first piece opens with an assertive phrase on the oboe, (later taken up by the piano), which dominates the whole of this Romance. After a faster central section this piece ends quietly and contemplatively. The second piece, although slower than the first, is characterised by much more rapid figuration. This gives way to an expressive melodic line in the oboe with the piano taking a more accompanimental role. The return of the rapid figuration in the piano signals the beginning of the work’s climactic section after which the music gradually dissipates.” Huw Watkins