This recital explores the musical eclecticism of American composers of the 20th and 21st centuries through works written during the past four decades. Just as the United States is a melting pot of cultures, philosophies, and ideals, these composers represent different musical approaches and styles, resulting in a rich exploration of aesthetics and the varied treatment of the oboe in a solo setting. Joseph Schwantner's stunning Black Anemones, a transcription of an art song based on the poetry of Agueda Pizzaro is contrasted with Teddy Niedermaier's more traditional oboe sonata, which fuses beautiful neo-romantic harmonies with classical function and structure.