Two Romances (2002)

“When the opportunity arose to write a new piece for Nicholas Daniel,“ Huw Watkins writes, ”I wanted most of all to exploit his lyricism and his gift for communication. These two Romances are narrative rather than overtly Romantic. The first piece opens with an assertive phrase on the oboe, (later taken up by the piano), which dominates the whole of this Romance. After a faster central section this piece ends quietly and contemplatively. The second piece, although slower than the first, is characterised by much more rapid figuration. This gives way to an expressive melodic line in the oboe with the piano taking a more accompanimental role. The return of the rapid figuration in the piano signals the beginning of the work’s climactic section after which the music gradually dissipates.”