The romance is a typical Romantic genre that was cultivated by almost all 19th c. composers. It is characterized by lyricism and a musical simplicity that favors songful melody, does not demand great virtuosity and possesses definite form. Katsuya Watanabe (b. 1966, Japan) studied at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. At present he is solo oboist in the Luxembourg-based Solistes Européens and increasingly devotes himself to solo activities, giving frequent recitals and concert performances.