Wind Orchestra to Feature on New Recording

The RNCM Wind Orchestra’s recording of Paul Goodey’s flute concerto, Hohler Fels will be released next month as part of a new CD by flautist Karin de Fleyt.

The 37 minute work takes its inspiration from artefacts discovered in the Hohler Fels caves in Germany. The caves were first excavated in the 19th century, but in 2008 a collection of carvings that included a Venus figurine, horse, water bird, and lowenmensch (a lion man) alongside a tiny flute were uncovered.

‘All are between 35 and 37,000 years old, and more recent analysis has suggested they may actually be 42,000 years old,’ said Paul. ‘Regardless, the Hohler flute is the oldest musical instrument ever discovered.’

Karin’s association with the RNCM dates back to 2008, when she performed Stockhausen’s Lucifer’s Danz with the Wind Orchestra at the College and Royal Festival Hall. She commissioned Hohler Fels in 2011.

‘Working with Karin and writing for her was a joy – she has a formidable technique, is brimming with musical imagination and enjoys exploring what might be possible with her instruments,’ Paul added.

‘The writing for the Orchestra is equally virtuosic – I wanted to showcase our Wind Orchestra for what it is: one of the best ensembles of its kind, populated by worldclass students.’

Hohler Fels, which also features Rolf Gehlhaar’s Grand Unified Theory of Everything and Christopher Fox’s stone, wind, rain alongside Paul’s title track (conducted by Mark Heron), is available to download from 11 March.

Click here for more details.

2 February 2016