Temporal Variations: Less is More? (2 Instruments)

Oboe and piano - an intriguing and very juicy combination. The sharpness of an oboe compared to the dark sonority of the bass of a piano, for example. Or the rich hearty texture of the oboe's low notes with the energetic yet graceful upper half of the piano. One might argue it's a marriage made in heaven.

In his 'Temporal Variations', Britten uses this combination in a number of very clever ways. Firstly, the colouration of both instruments in their respective registers are explored very carefully to such an extent that the parts weave among each other to create intricate and very intense musical lines. Listen to the fourth movement for some good examples of this.

Secondly, and very importantly, time is played around with, as the title might suggest. Notice how both instruments respond to rhythmic differences in the main theme which is first heard at the beginning. Sometimes, the piano might propel the oboe in to responding, and sometimes the roles are reversed. Sometimes, however, the two work together.

And this brings me nicely onto my third point, and the one which really fits with the 'less is more' theme this week. A standout feature of this work is the interaction between the two instruments. Time is not rigid here, which allows for a very natural sounding conversational dialogue between both players. Momentum is often built up by one instrument and taken up by another. I won't bore you by going through each movement as it happens, as there's really so much you can get from just listening, but another interesting way of listening to this is by expanding what you're hearing, listening for more than just the two instruments...

Let me explain - if you listen to the oboe line, quite often you can hear how external forces might be affecting its music. Gravity, for instance - in falling lines the rhythm will often accelerate. In rising lines, the harmony will often intensify. And as I said, momentum builds up across both parts, almost as if Britten is observing the fact that energy is neither created nor destroyed in the piece, but rather passed between players and expressed in different ways.

It is these interactions which I believe really makes more out of less, and allows Britten to create an incredibly complex and intense piece from only two performers. As I listen to this piece, I get a distinct sense that every decision made, every note played, has been very carefully considered - and to tremendous effect.