QUINTESSENTIAL WINDS
The
NHB woodwind quintet, known as the "Quintessential Winds", was formed
in the summer of 2006. Its members are Pamela Haskell (flute), Barbara
Simone (oboe), Jean Johnston (clarinet), Vaila Hagg (french horn) and
Maggie Harvey (bassoon). This configuration of wind instruments, having
evolved from the imperial Harmoniemusik
as employed during the latter decades of the 18th century at the Vienna
court of Joseph II, became well established by around 1800. Technical
advances in instrument making combined with the unique and varied
timbres of the five solo voices in today's wind quintet gave composers
an ideal outlet for composition of sophicated chamber music for
winds, comparable to that of the classical string quartet. Furthermore,
the wind quintet is well suited to arrangements of larger scale works
and contemporary pieces. Our quintet is looking forward to exploring
and sharing, through various performance opportunities, some of this
beautiful music.