Kurt Hessenberg

Capriccio op. 71/2

Even though the Frankfurt composer Kurt Hessenberg (1908-1994) made a lasting impression, especially by his sacred choral music - his motet 'O Herr, mache mich zum Werkzeug deines Friedens' forms part of the repertoire of every good choir - his career as a composer began with piano, chamber and orchestral music. All his life Hessenberg remained faithful to these genres. Between 1958 and 1963 he wrote five miniatures which he put together into Opus 71 and in which he let the five instruments of a wind quintet have their 'say' separately and with piano accompaniment: flute, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon.Created in 1958, 'Capriccio' Op. 71 No. 2 is dedicated to the oboe. It is an enjoyable and rewarding piece in a neoclassical style characterized by an extended tonality. This 'Capriccio' gives the oboist the possibility to play in an effective virtuoso, yet cantabile way and, in addition, uses piano accompaniment in a rewarding manner - a welcome addition to the oboe repertoire.