‘VORTEX’ introduces a bold new chapter for the oboe and cor anglais, instruments too often overlooked as chamber soloists.

The journey begins with Stravinsky’s Pulcinella - here newly transcribed for oboe and piano by Cohen Mann and Cornelia Sommer - where Baroque elegance collides with Stravinsky’s tongue-in-cheek neoclassicism. From there, Jennifer Higdon’s poignant Aria leads into the album’s title track, Kevin Day’s electrifying VORTEX, premiered to a standing ovation at the International Double Reed Society Conference.

Works by Rodney Sharman (Famous Last Words), Jean Coulthard (The Enchanted Island), and C Tyler Nickel (Cor anglais Sonata) reveal the expressive depth and modern versatility of the cor anglais, while Jocelyn Morlock’s Verdigris, arranged for oboe and guitar, offers a gentle closing meditation. ‘VORTEX’ celebrates the oboe and cor anglais as instruments of colour, drama and lyricism - capable of anchoring an entire sonic world.