Cantilena was commissioned by the London Chamber Music Society to celebrate their move to King's Place in October 2008. First performed by Nicholas Daniel and members of the Chilingirian Quartet at King’s Place London on 5th October 2008. The work is a short lyrical piece where an outsider [the oboe] joins the group [a string trio] and adds to their dialogue. At first the newcomer is treated with a mixture of suspicion and agitation but eventually is made welcome. The oboe is invited to share the musical theme that has been established which he then proceeds to embellish and adorn. He leads the harmonic changes that result in the theme being heard in manydifferent keys. He then introduces a new theme. The excitement grows and leads to a climax. A peaceful coda re-establishes the original theme and all ends harmoniously among the integrated quartet.

Par ARNOLD MALCOLM. Written to celebrate the sixtieth birthday of the legendary oboist Leon Goossens, and first performed by him and the Carter Trio in 1958, this delightful 13-minute quartet is a fine showcase of Malcolm Arnold?s melodic gifts.  The work unfolds over three elegant movements, always engaging and directly communicative. / Ensemble Music / Répertoire / Hautbois, Violon, Alto et Violoncelle