Concertos for oboe & oboe d'amore

Kare Eskola
During the Baroque era, the oboe was a popular solo and obligato instrument. There are numerous concerts available for it, the expression of which, however, focuses on vocal melody. Recently, this treasure trove has been recorded mainly with baroque oboe and period orchestra, so it is interesting to calibrate your ears and listen to how top Estonian oboist Kalev Kuljus and the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra cope with modern instruments when the key oboe concertos of Vivaldi, Marcello, Telemann and Bach are on the music stand.
Upon first listening to the record, you notice that the softer, less focused sound of a baroque oboe would give the expression more humanity than a modern, shiny instrument. The modern oboe also seems to take up space from the color tones of the orchestra - or maybe the Lithuanian chamber orchestra is not used to making affects with bold sounds, so the music has a refined touch of the philharmonic.
But at the same time, at first glance, you can see that Kalev Kuljus does know what he's doing. He plays calmly, cleanly and soulfully, although courage is lacking. I especially respect the fact that Kuljus shapes jewelry patterns precisely and in a modern way, without trying to draw from the gimmicks of periodicals.
There is also no room for criticism in the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra's playing, which is airy and light, even if it is a bit colorless. Especially the patterns of the dancey, fast parts are exemplary. With a separate conductor, Kuljus might have been able to take more liberties without affecting the pulse of the orchestra.
The album is at its best in the Telemann and Bach concerts, when Kuljus plays the oboe d'amore. A deeper, softer solo instrument adds to the ensemble the sensitivity and depth that baroque composers valued in the oboe. It is also positive that the record company Alba's good relations with the fine musical expertise of the Baltic region have been passed on from Timo Ruottine to the new director Erkki Nisose.
Concertos for oboe and oboe d'amore, composed by Vivaldi, Marcello, Telemann and J.S. Bach. - Kalev Kuljus, oboe and oboe d'amore, and Lithuanian chamber organ. (Alba, ABCD 411)