Upon hearing a chamber piece by Joseph Michl in Munich in 1772 the English composer and music historian Charles Burney wrote, ‘I hardly ever heard a composition that discovered more genius and invention.’ Even though Michl achieved success writing for the operatic stage and his contemporary reputation rested on his sacred works, the Bassoon Quartets present the epitome of urbane sophistication – elegantly constructed and full of imaginative detail – and at times resembling miniature concertos.

Ben Hoadley is one of Australasia’s finest bassoonists, performing on modern and historical instruments. He is also an award-winning composer whose works are performed and recorded internationally. Hoadley has appeared frequently as guest principal with many of the professional orchestras in both Australia and New Zealand, and as a recital and concerto soloist and chamber musician. His special interest in music by New Zealand composers has led to many collaborations in the creation of new music for bassoon. The Hall String Trio (Lara, Amalia and Callum Hall) are siblings from Auckland, New Zealand who have performed together extensively since childhood, primarily as a string quartet with their brother Elroy. Continued performances together have included duos, trios and collaborations with non-family members.

REVIEWS:

Hoadley tosses it all off flawlessly without any sense of strain, and always mindful of the prime directive to produce a smooth, seamless, and beautiful tone.

…Hoadley is companioned by three sibling Halls—Laura and Amalia, violins, and Callum, cello—who know their place in these works and play with deference to the bassoon. I would very much like to hear them in works composed for string trio, for their modest contributions in these bassoon quartets hint at an ensemble of string players that would really shine on their own.

-- Fanfare