On April 6, 2023, Duo Precipice, consisting of oboist Dr. Ann Fronckowiak, Associate Professor of Oboe at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, and percussionist Cristian Zavala, who is an instructor of percussion at the same institution, presented a recital featuring a diverse variety of contemporary works for oboe and percussion. The performance featured the duo’s technical capacity, interpretive depth, and dedication to expanding the repertoire for their instrumentation.

The recital opened with the world premiere of Brian Shelton’s Four Scenes for Oboe and Percussion (1997), a work originally composed for clarinet and percussion but skillfully adapted for oboe through the composer’s collaboration with Fronckowiak. The opening movement, “Stratospheres,” set the tone for the evening with its ethereal oboe lines punctuated by snare drum. The two instruments were unified in articulation, which created an atmospheric texture that effectively evoked the movement’s title. In the second movement, “Song,” Fronckowiak’s switch to the English horn created a lush blend with vibraphone. The lyrically arpeggiated opening in the vibraphone was beautifully complemented by Fronckowiak’s expressive English horn line, and her nuanced vibrato created a beautiful timbre with the resonance of the vibraphone. The seamless elision of phrases between instruments was particularly effective, and an expressive English horn cadenza offered a seamless transition to the movement’s conclusion.

The third movement, “Scherzo,” featured the oboe’s versatility and showcased Fronckowiak’s technical proficiency. Following a crisp snare drum introduction, the oboe entered with a jaunty melodic sequence, revealing the tonal and dynamic range of the oboe. Fronckowiak’s clear and precise articulation was a testament to her skill and musicianship, effectively conveying the character of the movement. The final movement, “Soliloquy,” highlighted Fronckowiak’s expressive depth and the duo’s keen attention to detail. The expansive lyrical playing was characterized by rich resonance, with punctuations and interjections by crotales, triangle, wood block, and suspended cymbal, adding to the movement’s reflective character. Fronckowiak’s nuanced phrasing and range of tone colors revealed the depth of her artistry, while the clarity of her tone worked beautifully with the crotale punctuation at the movement’s conclusion.

The program continued with Brazilian composer Rodrigo Lima’s Pontos e Linhas (2009), a work inspired by the artistic style of Wassily Kandinsky. A QR code to images was shared with the audience, which added to the programmatic impact of the performance. The piece began with frenetic energy and dissonance, showcasing the unique timbres of the oboe and marimba. The duo navigated the complex score with rhythmic precision and a keen sense of ensemble, effectively conveying the work’s modernist aesthetic. As the piece progressed, Duo Precipice explored a wide range of timbral worlds and extended techniques. Pitch bends in the oboe were juxtaposed against a bowed suspended cymbal, creating a haunting atmosphere that contrasted with the more austere quality of the first section. Fronckowiak’s incorporation of multiphonics was particularly striking, adding depth and complexity to the work’s sonic palette.

Zavala was featured in Isabelle Dances (2009-2010), a solo marimba work performed from memory. The performance evoked the coloristic qualities that prevail through much of Stucky’s impressive oeuvre, with Zavala’s interpretation highlighting the intricate interplay of rhythm and melody. In the middle movement, Zavala drew out a hauntingly beautiful and sustained quality through precise mallet work, clearly voicing simultaneous contrasting lines. The final movement of Isabelle Dances featured a dramatic and punctuated opening, with rhythmically driven lines that moved effortlessly throughout the range of the instrument. The wide leaps and dynamic contrasts created a sense of momentum that propelled the work to its conclusion, highlighting Zavala’s virtuosity and interpretive skills.

The recital concluded with the world premiere of Dreamscape (2023) by the duo’s colleague Dr. Chad Robinson, who teaches music theory at Texas A&M-Kingsville. The three-part work opened with a snare drum roll juxtaposed against the luscious tone of the oboe’s lower range, gradually becoming more expansive and showcasing the duo’s ability to create a broad array of timbral combinations. The middle section of Dreamscape evoked a dream-like quality through the ethereal blend of vibraphone and oboe, with delicately executed embellishments in the oboe, which created a whimsical atmosphere of nostalgia. The duo’s attention to detail and precise ensemble work was particularly evident throughout the work. The final section featured a return to the atmospheric quality of the opening, with the oboe and percussion parts intertwining to create a haunting and introspective conclusion.

Throughout the recital, Duo Precipice demonstrated exceptional musicianship, technical mastery, and commitment to exploring the expressive possibilities of their instruments. The duo’s collaboration has made a significant contribution to the existing body of repertoire for oboe and percussion, and their future collaborations and contributions to the field are eagerly anticipated.