Shinohara - Obsession for Oboe and Piano

Makoto Shinohara (1931-2024) Obsession for Oboe and Piano Composed in 1960 Performed by Allan Vogel (b. 1944), oboe, and Bryan Pezzone (b. 1962), piano Recorded in 1997 at the First Congregational Church, Los Angeles Makoto Shinohara’s Obsession is a significant work in the contemporary oboe repertoire, written during the composer’s long residency in Europe, where he was deeply involved in the avant-garde music scene. The piece reflects the mid-20th-century experimentation with instrumental color and extended techniques, demanding a high level of virtuosity from the oboist. By utilizing complex textures and a highly chromatic, often angular language, the work explores the thematic concept of an "obsession" through repetitive, intense motifs that evolve throughout the performance. Obsession has become a recognized challenge for soloists, showcasing the expressive capabilities of the oboe in a modern, non-tonal context while remaining a staple for those seeking to push the boundaries of their instrument.