Inventions for Oboe and Piano

Press Notices

“I recently received a copy of “Inventions and Oboe”along with a nice letter from the composer, John Addison, calling my attention to the fact that there are few if any copies currently available from the publisher, Oxford University Press. A few years ago two or three movements were published separately when used as examination pieces by the Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music in England and Scotland. I was at that time fortunate to secure “Prologue and Rhapsody” and have played them several times. But it seems that these are no longer in print. The “Inventions” consist of five movements: Prologue, Rhapsody, caprice, Waltz and Finale with Epilogue. I find the writing crisp, straight-forward and melodically beautiful (especially the slow waltz movement). They are still as fresh sounding today as when they were performed in 1958. The range is rather conservative, according to today’s demand, exceeding high D on only one occasion for a high E-flat. Articulation is challenging and tempos brisk (especially Caprice and Finale). The entire set seem to fit the oboe very well indeed. I feel they are interesting and challenging enough to be performed on public recitals along with the best in the repertoire. I would hope that sufficient interest could be shown by the membership such that the publisher might entertain the thought of reprinting these fine pieces. It would be a shame for future players to not have access to them.” - The Double Reed by James Lakin, December 1980

“We see all too few new works from the pen of this composer, probably because film producers keep him so busy. the Inventions are characterized by freshness and directness of idea, and I am delighted to see that although the idiom is “modern”, Mr. Addison does not despise common chords or attractive phrases.” - Musical Opinion, London, May 1959