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This new disc from Christopher Redgate is the second instalment of his work in developing an entirely new repertoire for the Howarth-Redgate oboe and the lupophon (a recently designed bass oboe). The opening composition by Edward Cowie for oboe, cor anglais and lupophon, with string quartet, is absolutely entrancing. The singing quality of Christopher Redgate’s top notes is wonderful to hear. The changing sound worlds in Cowie’s The Colours of Dark Light are fascinating and here Redgate’s virtuosity shines through. The Coull Quartet also deliver an outstanding performance that is incredibly committed and energetic.

One of the real strengths of this disc is the variety of repertoire included. Paul Archbold’s Zechstein brings an immediately different focus to the capabilities of the new oboe Christopher Redgate has developed. surface/tension by Sam Hayden displays a dramatic and frenetic energy that immediately grabs the attention and whisks the listener off in yet another fresh direction. The evolving multiphonics and incredible finger dexterity that Redgate brings to this performance are exceptional. Clepsydra draws the listener immediately in a completely different manner from surface/tension. The ever-evolving tone brings a three-dimensional quality to the sound world that is almost hypnotic. Dorothy Ker succeeds in really showing what expanded capabilities Redgate has brought to the oboe.

As a disc this is a totally engaging experience for the listener. These new additions to the repertoire are superb and with each turn Christopher Redgate manages to show that the new Howarth-Redgate has so many additional palettes of tone colour and capabilities. He has developed an incredible wealth of microtones and multiphonics in the process.

So much about this disc has a monumental feel to it. The challenge that Christopher Redgate has set composers to write for this newly developed oboe is substantial. Even though the resulting repertoire is so incredibly diverse in nature, he rises to the occasion every time, In particular I was drawn to Clepsydra and especially enjoyed the opening movement of The Colours of Dark Light. I am convinced that there is something for every listener in this collection; each piece is so incredibly different.

The extraordinary performances of all the musicians involved in this disc also help to make it a valuable addition to anyone’s CD collection.