These nine duets were originally only one (Op.9. No.1.), which I wrote to explore the possibilities of using a woodwind instrument with the piano. The oboe, a favourite instrument of mine, was used because its tone fitted the theme so well. I enjoyed the composition so much that I expanded it into three, one with each of the main woodwind instruments (apologies to the bassoon ). With that completed, I decided to write some more pieces along the same lines and returned to the oboe once more. The structure of the duet is remarkably flexible, allowing me to use a wide variety of forms and moods in conversations between the two instruments. I found it very exciting and hope that performers and audiences will do likewise.