Johan Helmich Roman - Oboe Works (Concert Royal Köln; Karla Schröter)

Information

Composer: Johan Helmich Roman

• Concerto D Major
• Sonata a tre G Minor
• Concerto B flat Major
• Sonata C Major
• Sonata G Minor
• Concerto D Major

Concert Royal Köln

Karla Schröter, baroque oboe & oboe d'amore

Date: 2026

Label: Musicaphon

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Johann Helmich Roman (1694–1758) was a central figure in 18th-century Swedish music, serving as court music director in Stockholm and widely regarded as the most significant Swedish composer of his time. He received training from prominent figures including George Frideric Handel and Johann Christoph Pepusch, and expanded his musical perspective through extensive travels across Europe. The recordings focus on Roman’s works featuring the oboe in a solo capacity, either singly or in duet form, representing a rare and concentrated aspect of his output. While oboes appear frequently in his orchestral writing, they typically reinforce the strings rather than function as independent solo voices, making these works particularly distinctive within his catalogue.

Concert Royal Köln is a specialist ensemble based in Cologne dedicated to performing 18th-century wind music on historical instruments. Founded by oboist Karla Schröter, the group focuses on reviving overlooked repertoire through archival research, bringing forgotten manuscripts and early editions back into performance. Its core instrumentation includes oboe, bassoon, and harpsichord, with additional period instruments such as natural horns, natural trumpets, viola d’amore, and classical clarinet depending on repertoire. The ensemble is particularly known for its flexible programming of Baroque and Classical court music and has appeared at major European festivals and venues. Its recordings include works by the Graun brothers, Handel, and others, reflecting a commitment to historically informed performance practice and rediscovery of neglected works.