Five Bagatelles - for reed trio (2020)
Dyade - four duets for oboe and clarinet (2023)
Reminiszenzen - for cor anglais and string trio (2022)
Three Winds - for reed trio (2018)
Quint-Essenzen - for wind quintet (2022)
Ritus - for reed trio (2023)

It's surprising the range and diversity of colors, sonic timbres, and expressive contours a simple trio of reed instruments can generate. Unlike a string trio for comparison, which produces a rather homogenous sound, a clarinet, oboe and bassoon ensemble can easily project mellow, shrill, robust, squeaky and/or eloquent sounds either simultaneously or sequentially. All of this, when combined with multifaceted and intricate compositions, can make for a captivating listening experience.

Speaking of multifaceted, not only is Ulf-Guido Schäfer the composer of these works, but also the clarinetist within the Trio Roseau and the Ma'alot Quintet, as well as a highly respected arranger of orchestral and operatic works condensed for various woodwind ensembles. And last but not least, he is also a painter and visual artist as the cover of this CD is one of his own collages.

The booklet notes point out: "The title 'Three Winds and More' refers to a series of compositions which I composed between 2018 and 2023 for small wind chamber music ensembles, ranging from duo to quintet." The manifold expressive shades of the Five Bagatelles are a delight to hear. Ulf-Guido Schäfer states that this trio is a modest homage to György Ligeti in memory of his "Six Bagatelles" for wind quintet. It's third movement in particular has an engaging fluid forward momentum that pulls you in. And the variety and fecundity of ideas and rhythmic patterns throughout the Three Winds, as it refers to three specific winds native to certain parts of the world, is quite captivating.

Well worth a listen ... if anything it will refresh your inner musical ear.