Andrew Earle Simpson

Exhortation II (1996-97)

Instrumentation	ob solo
Duration	13:30
Movements	1
Premiere	3/97, SUNY Potsdam
Performers	Glenn Guiles, ob
Commissioned by	Glenn Guiles
Recording	Nancy Ambrose King, for "Exhortations," Athena Records (1998)
Publication	Jeanne Publications, Minneapolis, MN
Performance History	Glenn Guiles, ob, SUNY Potsdam, NY, 3/97
mp3 sample

Program Notes

Exhortation II, for oboe solo, is a set of variations.  However, the "variations" are more accurately regarded as small character pieces which explore different facets of the oboe itself.  One variation, for example, exploits the often humorous contrast between the instrument's highest and lowest register; another explores the oboe's distinctive lyrical qualities.  No overt thematic connection exists among the four variations, and so the piece may be thought of as a small one-movement suite for the oboe.