“The Czech Philharmonic Wind Ensemble should need no introduction… theirs is a virtuosity of the highest order… This new album is a marvellous collection of music… At the heart of the programme is Cecile Chaminade’s mellifluous Flute Concertino, fitting Lolin’s wind-band setting like a glove… A frisson, indeed!”
FRISSON
Music for Woodwind Orchestra
Czech Philharmonic Wind Ensemble
Shea Lolin, conductor
Franz Krommer Partita in F major, Op.57
Richard Strauss Serenade, Op.7
Cécile Chaminade Concertino, Op.107
Constant Lambert Romeo and Juliet
Guy Woolfenden More Gordian Knots
On 9 January 2026, conductor Shea Lolin presents Frisson, an exciting new album of music for woodwind orchestra and his third recording with the principal woodwind players of the Czech Philharmonic (Gramophone’s Orchestra of the Year 2024). Frisson follows the release of the ground-breaking Twisted Skyscape, the first album devoted entirely to new music for woodwind orchestra, and Chromosphere, which focused on contemporary repertoire.
Frisson marks Shea Lolin’s 20-year involvement with the woodwind orchestra and celebrates its evolution from the early eighteenth-century genre of Harmoniemusik – formal ensemble music for pairs of winds – to its modern form.
The album features a superb programme of arrangements for woodwind orchestra by Shea Lolin, all originally commissioned by the Bloomsbury Woodwind Ensemble. He expands Franz Krommer’s exquisite Octet – Partita in F major, Op. 57 and Richard Strauss’s youthful Serenade, Op. 7, creating a broader sonic landscape while maintaining their essence. Also included is Cécile Chaminade’s beloved Concertino, Op. 107, arranged for woodwind orchestra and featuring young Glaswegian flautist Fiona Sweeney, who makes her debut with the Czech Philharmonic on this release. Completing the album is More Gordian Knots by Guy Woolfenden OBE, a spirited reimagining of Purcell’s music for The Gordian Knot Unty’d, written during Woolfenden’s remarkable 40-year association with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
“Through the collection of works on this album, I hope to demonstrate the rich potential and unique character of the modern woodwind orchestra, highlighting its distinct identity in the world of ensemble music…The album’s title Frisson refers to my feelings towards this recording and the milestone it represents. It also reflects the amazing playing from the Czech Philharmonic Wind Ensemble.” – Shea Lolin
“Splendidly mellifluous performances by the Czech Philharmonic Wind Ensemble conducted by Shea Lolin… Lolin and the players… show off their virtuosity, flawless intonation, and ensemble. Recommended.” – Guy Rickards, Gramophone review of Chromosphere.
“The warm Czech sound is perfect… characteristic richness and deep bass of the Czech Philharmonic… unfailingly beautiful… A beautifully programmed, supremely well executed disc.”
Trailer
YouTube Exclusive Priemere of Flute Concertino by Cécile Chaminade performed by Fiona Sweeney.
Shea Lolin with the Czech Philharmonic Wind Ensemble 16 March 2025, photo by Frame Production
“Now it’s time for our pick of the weekend, and it comes from conductor Shea Lolin, who presents Frisson, an exciting new album of music for Woodwind Orchestra, and his third recording with the principal Woodwind players of the Czech Philharmonic…The album features a superb program of arrangements for Woodwind Orchestra by Lolin himself… What an accomplished performance.”
“A tuneful start to the new year comes from the 19 woodwind players of Gramophone magazine’s Orchestra of the Year in 2024.… the best package I have seen for some time. … A rewarding recording, especially the Krommer, and well done to the label for setting such a high standard both of performance and presentation.”
“The musicians’ wonderfully fluid performance, full of pulsating life, will fill listeners with enthusiasm for this beautiful partita,which is far too rarely played. In this arrangement by Shea Lolin, the musicians render it enchantingly as musical fun. Strauss’s Serenade is charming, as are virtually all of Shea Lolin’s arrangements.”
