Ralph Vaughan Williams' Concerto in A minor for Oboe and Strings

In a sea of Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach, composers like Ralph Vaughan Williams often go without notice. I'm a big fan of his Mass in G minor and The Lark Ascending, so it's no surprise his Concerto in A minor for Oboe and Strings brings me great joy. It's almost like listening to an original score for a Hollywood movie - lush in orchestration, invigorating, and fun. Williams' Oboe Concerto, composed in 1944 for Léon Goossens, is a pastoral work (works expressing themes of the countryside and way of life) that is divided into three sections: Rondo Pastorale, Minuet and Musette, and Scherzo. If you're interested in getting your hands on this fantastic piece of music, I recommend getting a copy of Masters of the Oboe. Not only will you find a superb performance of Williams' Oboe Concerto, you'll also find works by Mozart, Strauss, Schumann, Britten, and Poulenc.