Waiheke Island

About

Written for Jennifer Paull in 1996, this suite for oboe consort is not directly programmatic, but each piece derives its respective mood from Waiheke, a small and beautiful island in the Hauraki Gulf which lies to the east of Auckland harbour in northern New Zealand.

Andante molto, the first piece, is pastoral in mood inspired by the large green area of farmland, which is the greater part of the island. There is an atmosphere of peace with morning bird-song and an intimation of summer's approach.

Andantino, the second piece, is a gentle dance movement inspired by the lapping of waves near the shore on a tranquil summer’s day on one of the many beaches of the island. There are a multitude of rock formations on these beaches and the tides maintain a characteristic rhythmic lapping upon them.

Moderato, the third piece, places the listener in the little village of Oneroa where people meet at small cafés to gossip and discuss the business of the island. The ferry harbour, Matiatia, is just down the hill and visitors from New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, mix with the residents.

Andante, the fourth piece, is a set of variations representing the spirit of emancipation from urban preoccupations, which pervades the pleasant atmosphere of the island. The formality of the variation form reminds the listener of bygone days when rustic living was a more important part of life.

– Edwin Carr, 1997
(Notes taken from score published by Amoris International)