With more than 200 opus numbers in his catalog, Charles Koechlin counts among the most prolific composers of the 20th century. Along with a large amount of short pieces for all kinds of ensembles or solo instruments, he has composed a series of gigantic masterpieces: the genial Jungle Book, the grandiose Offrande musicale sur le nom de B.A.C.H.–both for orchestra and various ensembles, the impressionistic Persian Hours cycle for solo piano or orchestra, and the glamorous Seven Stars Symphony. Lajos Lencsés, principal oboist of the Stuttgart Radio Symphony, focuses his attention on the French composer’s chamber works for oboe and its relatives, oboe d’amore and English horn. Koechlin’s gentle, pastoral treatment of the instrument, as well as his simple modal idiom, looks back to the classical era–not the 18th century’s classicism, but rather that of Ancient Greece. Supported by an excellent international cast (German flutist, Italian harpist, Estonian pianist, and French string quartet), the Hungarian Lencsés doesn’t miss the opportunity to display his lyrical qualities and poetic tone. The music’s fluent, monodic writing possesses a haunting charm that makes this CD a worthwhile addition to the catalog.
