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The Tailleferre Ensemble
The Tailleferre Ensemble, founded in 2019 by Nicola Hands and Penelope Smith, is a UK-based chamber collective whose principal aim is to promote women in music. The group is a flexible chamber ensemble of varying line-up who perform works of diverse instrumentation and genre, from works by established composers to those that are lesser-known and contemporary. As a group they have been praised for their fine performances and ‘extensive palette of timbres’, and they work to redress the balance of works performed by men and women composers in classical music.
The Ensemble has performed across the country since its inception, ranging from prestigious venues and chamber music festivals to local chamber series, and have also collaborated with other groups. In 2021 they were grateful to receive funding from the Ambache Charitable Trust to make recordings of works by Cecilia McDowall and Rhian Samuel. In 2022 they were invited to perform the rarely-played Mass in D by Ethel Smyth. Since then, they received further invitations to collaborate on similar performances.
This album is the group’s first recording, exemplifying their work, featuring music from various historical periods and for different ensemble sizes. Of particular note is the première recording of Sonate Champêtre by the group’s namesake, Germaine Tailleferre: they are pleased to share this work recorded for the first time, alongside the première of Little Duos by Rhian Samuel, dedicated to the group’s founders Nicola Hands and Penelope Smith.
Most of the album comprises works by living composers, but lesser-known pieces from further back, by Röntgen and Hoffmann, also feature. There are Things to be Said byIngrid Stölzel inspired the album’s title, evoking concepts of loneliness and struggle but also reflects the hopefulness, determination and creativity of this new chamber collective.
The Ensemble has performed across the country since its inception, ranging from prestigious venues and chamber music festivals to local chamber series, and have also collaborated with other groups. In 2021 they were grateful to receive funding from the Ambache Charitable Trust to make recordings of works by Cecilia McDowall and Rhian Samuel. In 2022 they were invited to perform the rarely-played Mass in D by Ethel Smyth. Since then, they received further invitations to collaborate on similar performances.
This album is the group’s first recording, exemplifying their work, featuring music from various historical periods and for different ensemble sizes. Of particular note is the première recording of Sonate Champêtre by the group’s namesake, Germaine Tailleferre: they are pleased to share this work recorded for the first time, alongside the première of Little Duos by Rhian Samuel, dedicated to the group’s founders Nicola Hands and Penelope Smith.
Most of the album comprises works by living composers, but lesser-known pieces from further back, by Röntgen and Hoffmann, also feature. There are Things to be Said byIngrid Stölzel inspired the album’s title, evoking concepts of loneliness and struggle but also reflects the hopefulness, determination and creativity of this new chamber collective.
'An exemplary debut with There are Things to be Said. ... Many things recommend the collection, from superb musicianship to an inspired and varied set-list.'
Textura, March 2023
Textura, March 2023
'The Tailleferre Ensemble excels in subtlety... Their performances contain all musical pastel shades, which together form one lovely colored palette. This is partly due to the various instrumentations that provide transparency and clarity, but certainly also due to the excellent interplay, the beautiful and well-groomed intonation and the lively appearance. ... The Ensemble switches style and instrumentation with ease and gives each composition the warm intention that it deserves.' Mattie Poels, Music Frames, 15 March 2023
ALBUM DETAILS
Germaine Tailleferre, Sonate Champêtre (première recording)
I. Allegro moderato
II. Andantino
III. Allegro vivace: Gaiement
Ingrid Stölzel, There Are Things to be Said (2009)
Bill Douglas, Three Lyrical Pieces
I. Wings of the Wind
II. The Hills of Glencar
III. Autumn Song
Jenni Brandon, Metamorphosis *
I. Vulnerable
II. Evolving
III. Transformation
IV. Rebirth
V. Transfiguration
VI. Breaking through the mold
VII. Regeneration
VIII. Emerging
IX. “The Metamorphosis excites in the beholder an emotion of joy…”
* First performance and recording by Dr Lindabeth Binkley (oboe) with Dane Philipsen (oboe) and Mary Jo Cox (piano) on Dr. Binkley’s album FROM EARTH AND SKY: MUSIC OF JENNI BRANDON on Blue Griffin Record label in 2020.
Rhian Samuel (première recording), Little Duos for oboe and cor anglais
I. Morning Glow
II. Whispers
III. Sentries
Cecilia McDowall, Century Dances: Trio for oboe, clarinet and bassoon
I. Allemande
II. Menuet – ghost dance
III. Mazurka
IV. Tango
V. Last Dance
Melchior Hoffmann, Trio Sonata in G minor
I. Adagio
II. Allegro
III. Adagio
IV. Vivace
Julius Röntgen, Trio for Flute, Oboe and Bassoon in G Major, Op. 86
I. Allegretto con Spirito
II. Poco andante, quasi una fantasia
III. Allegretto
The Tailleferre Ensemble
Emma Halnan and Nicola Crowe, flute
Nicola Hands and Penelope Smith, oboe / cor anglais
Jennifer Dunsmore and Helen Pierce, clarinet
Amy Thompson, bassoon
Lana Bode, piano
Penelope Smith and Nicola Hands
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Tailleferre Ensemble at Conway Hall, London, April 2023
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Electronic press kit available for reviewers.
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