A cleverly designed programme with three Bach sonata arrangements, one each for oboe, oboe d’amore and cor anglais, interwoven with contemporary works. Althea Ifeka is a superb oboist with a slightly plangent tone which fits well with the harpsichord, as the engaging Gordon Jacob Sonatina shows with its variety of invention, splicing melancholy, wit and geniality. Here the balance seems ideal but in the Bach, beautifully played by both parties, I would prefer the oboe d’amore and cor anglais (both of which have a slightly more robust timbre) to be just a little less forward. But the Andante of BWV1028 is so beautifully played that I really must not grumble.

Stephen Dodgson’s pastiche Suite (for oboe) works particularly well, but as his wife is a harpsichordist he no doubt had a few balance tips. Elizabeth Maconchy always makes you sit up. She writes effectively, ruggedly and intensely; but you have to listen carefully here, until she relents in the heart-touching cadenza in the closing Vivo. Michael Head’s Siciliana, an Italian dance form, is then haunting by being utterly English. Most stimulating.