Performed by Elaine Douvas oboe Accompaniment: Erik Nielsen piano This wonderful album for the beginning to early intermediate oboe player includes thirteen pieces ranging from Boccherini to Grieg to Richard Strauss to William Walton. Says James Roe of The Double Reed: With the poise of a great virtuoso [Ms. Douvas] approaches these 'easy' pieces as she would a solo line in a great symphony...the richness of her tone the variety in her articulation and the beauty and clarity of her line all represent the very best example for students as they develop their concept of playing. And it's all pretty inspiring for us professional oboists as well. Ms. Douvas's extensiveperformance notes are a delight and will be inspiring to students and an important aid to teachers. Includes a complete solo part printed on high-quality ivory paper annotated with performance suggestions and a compact disc with complete versions (with soloist) followed by piano accompaniments to each piece minus the soloist.

Philip Sparkeâ??s Skilful Solos is the second volume of a progressive series of solo books that takes the young wind player from beginner to accomplished musician. Following on from the first book in the series Starter Solos this collection generally contains longer pieces suitable for the developing young musician. Specifically tailored for each instrument Skilful Solos introduces the concept of phrasing by suggesting suitable breathing points and takes the player into new keys with extended instrumental ranges new notes being introduced in a gradual and logical manner. Skilful Solos comes with a play-along CD. The advantages of playing either with piano or CD accompaniment arethat the beginning player can now experience the important aspects of ensemble playing from their earliest lessons thus developing the essential skills of listening while they play and maintaining strict tempo which is not always achieved when playing alone.