Robbert Vos has gained a deserved reputation as a fine solo performer. With this release he enhances it further in presenting a collection of five exquisitely delivered new commissions to firmly cement his place among the world’s elite euphonium artists.

Christian Overhead creates complex atmospheres in his ‘Underground Concerto’ - a work of rich, subterranean textures.

Inspired by the writings of French novelist Emile Zola in ‘Le Voreux’ (The Mine), and the Greek mythological tale of ‘The Descent of Orpheus’, it delves deep in resonance before exploding upwards in the closing ‘Euphoria’ with a flourish of funk, jazz, hip-hop and techno-inspired excitement. 

Journey to hell

The soloist’s purity of tone and subtle shaping of phrasing is complemented by a precise, well-honed technique, although it’s his ability to create long flowing lines of expression in the second commission, ‘The Hell of ’63’, a wintery interpretation of the ‘Eleven Cities Tour’, a legendary 200km skating event, that is vividly brought to the fore. 

There is also an engaging generosity of spirit on show with Jan Bosveld’s ‘Le Ruses du Renard’; a neatly realised composition of conversational dialogue and increasing complex discourse, whilst Marco Putz’s supple ‘Concertino for Euphonium and Band’ enjoys a long overdue (written in 2003) debut recording with fanfare band accompaniment. 

The musical language with both pieces offers a welcome change of colour and pace in revealing the soloist’s stylistic versatility. 

The soloist’s purity of tone and subtle shaping of phrasing is complemented by a precise, well-honed technique, although it’s his ability to create long flowing lines of expression in the second commission, ‘The Hell of ’63’, a wintery interpretation of the ‘Eleven Cities Tour’, a legendary 200km skating event, that is vividly brought to the fore. 

Maillot jaune

It’s left to Geert Van Kroon’s peloton inspired ‘Spinning Gears’ – a demanding uphill cycling stage that evokes the protagonist’s apprehension, determination, turmoil and triumph which provides an engaging finale to what is a fine recording. 

It’s worthy of Vos wearing the maillot jaune at its close. 

Thomas Dunne

To Purchase: https://euphonium.blog/order-my-cd/

Play List:

1. Underground Concerto (Christian Overhead)
I. Les Voreux
II. The Descent of Orpheus
III. Euphoria
2. The Hell of '63 (Hendrik de Boer)
3. Les Ruses du Renard (Jan Bosveld)
4. Concertino for Euphonium and Band (Marco Putz)
5. Spinning Gears (Geert Jan Kroon)