I came across this delightful music in 1972 on an RCA LP with Andre Previn, the LSO and soloist, John de Lancie, for whom it was written. Star Trek Trivia : the oboist was the father of the actor, same name, who played Q in "The Next Generation"! The title always made me think of the flower-clock in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, which had held a strange fascination for me as a small child in the 1950s. Miles apart culturally from Francaix's inspiration, no doubt. The piece embodies what I tend to think of as Gallic charm with a touch of wry humour, even frivolity, recalling Poulenc, Ibert and, probably, Satie. My original LP has, sadly, long since departed but this performance is outstanding, more than making up for that loss........Thanks for the upload.
Heard its premier conducted by E. Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra on a Friday afternoon concert and J. Françaix was present to take a bow. (I was a college student.) John De Lancie was principal oboe then. It's been one of my favorite concertos and I still have it on a 33 rpm vinyl.
I came across this delightful music in 1972 on an RCA LP with Andre Previn, the LSO and soloist, John de Lancie, for whom it was written. Star Trek Trivia : the oboist was the father of the actor, same name, who played Q in "The Next Generation"!
The title always made me think of the flower-clock in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, which had held a strange fascination for me as a small child in the 1950s. Miles apart culturally from Francaix's inspiration, no doubt. The piece embodies what I tend to think of as Gallic charm with a touch of wry humour, even frivolity, recalling Poulenc, Ibert and, probably, Satie. My original LP has, sadly, long since departed but this performance is outstanding, more than making up for that loss........Thanks for the upload.
Heard its premier conducted by E. Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra on a Friday afternoon concert and J. Françaix was present to take a bow. (I was a college student.) John De Lancie was principal oboe then. It's been one of my favorite concertos and I still have it on a 33 rpm vinyl.
Just lovely.
R.I.P. Libor Pesek (1933-2022).
This piece have a version for Soprano Saxophone, they will sound amazing !