Rhapsody Jardine for Oboe and String Orchestra

Rhapsody Jardine vividly evokes a landscape full of lush harmonies and exotic melodic perfumes, a musical vista of resonant colors and aromatic counterpoint.  The opening fantasy-like section juxtaposes a minimalistic ostinato pattern in the lower strings with the evocative and expansive melodic line of the oboe.  A somewhat askew waltz follows, and off-beat dance with a wry oboe serenading a slightly awry orchestra.  A return to the fantasy material follows a brief contrapuntal transition.  The fugue, alternating between 6/8 and 9/8, is passed among the strings and soloist.  This leads to a plaintive duet between the oboe and cello and a unison statement of the fugal subject bring the piece to the end with a flourish.