Where Are All The Oboists These Days? Options

[morton]

The problem is that these days I find it very difficult to play quietly enough. This isn't to do with having played in a wind band. It is to do with the standard I have reached.

Surely the more advanced you are, the better your control of dynamics should be.

This is true, but also the instrument resonates more, so you have to play much quieter than everyone else to make up for this. I find I finish up playing anything from pppp to maximum mp on a light weight reed, while everyone else is playing a nice comfy mf upwards.

So your pppp is the same as everyone else's mf? You need to learn to play more quietly.

My pppp is the same as my teachers pppp. Does this mean that he also plays too loud?

Any really good oboists I know can play at the limit of audibility if required. Are you saying that's still too loud to match an amateur's mf?

It can depend on the mf, but a lot of oboists and flautists don't really make much noise. When I was going on an oboe course once someone remarked that there would be a whole course of people who didn't really blow any air through their instrument. Minimum standard for the course was grade 5.
If I sit in an orchestra next to someone like this, I spend the whole rehearsal playing very quietly. They though are playing at a nice comfortable level. I don't enjoy doing this, so I play somewhere where I don't have to play so quietly.

Also some people can project their sound much more than others.

[katica]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/winter_angel.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/winter_angel.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/winter_angel.gif)

Merry Christmas Oboists!

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/xmas_gift.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/xmas_gift.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/xmas_gift.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/xmas_gift.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/xmas_gift.gif)

Thank you for all the great advice on this thread this year.

[Arundodonuts]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/winter_angel.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/winter_angel.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/winter_angel.gif)

Merry Christmas Oboists!

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/xmas_gift.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/xmas_gift.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/xmas_gift.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/xmas_gift.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/xmas_gift.gif)

Thank you for all the great advice on this thread this year.

I echo those sentiments. May your reeds crow.

[katica]

We're getting towards the end of the year and I wondered if folks have been doing any interesting oboe stuff over the Christmas hols and what you have planned for 2011.

flobiano - have you decided on your post G7 repertoire? Are you beginning to plan for G8 and have something in mind?

pushpull - have you picked your G6 pieces yet? What's your feeling so far about the menu? Anything interesting come out of the Nielsen Romance you were working on?

kerioboe - have you tried out any of your teacher's suggestions? Did you find out which Vivaldi C Major concerto he had recommended?

And the rest of you?

I myself have not been terribly well-behaved in getting back on the oboe - playing around with lots of stuff instead of starting slowly on long notes. But I have thoroughly enjoyed myself and am now ready for being a bit more serious about getting back in form. Shame that my nicest reed isn't liking the rather cool weather we're having and keeps clamming up.

I am trying to work up the courage to get back to the Vivaldi by working a bit on pieces I enjoy. The night before last I had a brief visit to my harpsichordist friend (who is threatening to join the Forum too (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) ). It was lovely to play Telemann (G minor Sonata, 'Dresden' - at least some of it) with a harpsichord for the first time. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif) . My friend had accompanied on the piano me in a recital about a year ago... I was extremely surprised, given all the ups and downs of the last few months that have disrupted oboe-playing, but he said he thought I'd improved hugely and it sounded as though I had advanced three years in one. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) It was probably mostly thanks to my gorgeous new XL but still I feel pathetically pleased by the compliment.

[Arundodonuts]

pushpull - have you picked your G6 pieces yet? What's your feeling so far about the menu? Anything interesting come out of the Nielsen Romance you were working on?

I haven't come to a decision yet. First things first - I have to decide by Jan 21st if I am entering for the spring session or leaving it a bit.

I'm looking at the Dresden sonata too just now which seems a strong possibility for List A. I hadn't looked at the Nielsen for a while but had a play through the other day and I still like it. I reckon that's a definite for List B.

As for list C - I've just started looking at the Madsen for the first time and that seems a strong contender. I like the Jacob Elegy but Limerick doesn't do much for me. Or the Bach excerpt is rather nice too.

But, I haven't yet had a go at Handel, Boni, Debussy, Pierne, Roussel, blah,blah, blah.

I popped into the music shop on Christmas eve and treated myself to some new stuff including the Bourgeois Fantasy Pieces (for later of course).

Reeds have been seriously odd here too. Fine one day and rubbish the next. By now my reed production line should be in full swing, but isn't. I've got a stack of cane ready for tying on, so come on, get on with it. Mr. Schuring says 2 a day (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Good luck with your playing in 2011.

[katica]

By now my reed production line should be in full swing, but isn't. I've got a stack of cane ready for tying on, so come on, get on with it. Mr. Schuring says 2 a day (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Oops, yes. Better put that on the list. Once I get on a roll my reed tying is OK. But I'm completely useless with the knife. And I'm having problems sharpening it properly. Waiting for new sharpener to arrive - my current excuse to procastinate.

I think my current standard is probably only around Grade 4 or 5 but I like the Grade 6 repertoire much more and my teacher is giving me other harder stuff so I thought I'd give some of those pieces a shot. I actually want to learn the whole of the Telemann Sonata but I'm still not really agile enough on the faster bits. Who knows, if all goes well maybe I'll even get to play it in a recital with a harpsichord next year. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/fingersCrossed.gif) I have the Bitti sonata too but I don't like it quite as much.

On list B I quite like the Piern? piece and it's not too bad to play, except the longish Eb-D trill does me in a bit. I prefer the Nielsen, though. But I think I'd want a much more singing tone and for a bit of that good old vibrato to emerge before I gave either of those pieces a shot in the exams. Otherwise the long Ds sound rather boring. I haven't given the Sculthorpe piece a go yet, though I do have 'Unbeaten Tracks'.

I still haven't managed to get hold of the Madsen yet. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) The Jan Van Beekum jazzy piece sounds quite fun but I don't have that either. In the fantasy scenario of me doing Grade 6 I suppose I'd also end up going with the Jacob (I quite like both of them) or the Bach.

Oh, and for a bit of fun I'm also working on a Vanhal duet (Sonata 4 from Six Duets, originally for flute or bassoon, rather oddly...). Also not part of lesson plans but sanctioned for a future recital, hopefully with oboist flatmate or flautist orchestra neighbour playing the top part as they're stronger than me.

[Arundodonuts]

By now my reed production line should be in full swing, but isn't. I've got a stack of cane ready for tying on, so come on, get on with it. Mr. Schuring says 2 a day (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Oops, yes. Better put that on the list. Once I get on a roll my reed tying is OK. But I'm completely useless with the knife. And I'm having problems sharpening it properly. Waiting for new sharpener to arrive - my current excuse to procastinate.

After my first couple of batches I started to get the hang of how to use the knife without too much weight behind it, though I'm still more than capable of whipping the tip off the reed just as I get to the end. Hey ho. I'm currently trying to figure out how and where to scrape the back for best results. My teacher does make lovely reeds which have a nice tone and are quite free blowing too so I have a good mentor there. I use a Japanese water stone to sharpen my knives which is fine. The trick though is too keep the knife sharp through frequent use of the stone (ahem!).

I think my current standard is probably only around Grade 4 or 5 but I like the Grade 6 repertoire much more and my teacher is giving me other harder stuff so I thought I'd give some of those pieces a shot. I actually want to learn the whole of the Telemann Sonata but I'm still not really agile enough on the faster bits.

I agree at Grade 6 the list suddenly starts to look a lot more interesting. As for the Telemann, I've been working on the quaver passages in the 2nd movement with the metronome to gradually get the speed up and my teacher suggested I might take a look at the other movements too.

On list B I quite like the Piern? piece and it's not too bad to play, except the longish Eb-D trill does me in a bit.

I haven't tried it yet. I've just this minute had a look through it and I think I'll give it a go later.

I prefer the Nielsen, though. But I think I'd want a much more singing tone and for a bit of that good old vibrato to emerge before I gave either of those pieces a shot in the exams. Otherwise the long Ds sound rather boring.

I know exactly how you feel. The same goes for the opening of the Telemann. It needs a touch of something and I would like to have some semblance of vibrato before I do Grade 6 which is why I'm procrastinating a bit (instead of practicing a lot (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) )

Oh, and for a bit of fun I'm also working on a Vanhal duet (Sonata 4 from Six Duets, originally for flute or bassoon, rather oddly...). Also not part of lesson plans but sanctioned for a future recital, hopefully with oboist flatmate or flautist orchestra neighbour playing the top part as they're stronger than me.

I have some extra-curricular items I want to spend some time on too. The Gregson sonata which I've banged on about in the past. I reckon I could have a bash at the first couple of movements now. A couple of Britten's 6 Metamorphoses and start on the Telemann Fantasies. There are also a couple of Schumannn pieces wich are pretty and don't look as tough as the Romances (one of the "5 Pieces in Folk Style" and "Abendlied").

[amber_piano]

Hi everyone,

I thought it was about time I started joining in this thread. I've been meaning to for a while, but then it seemed so established and I didn't want to but in.

For those that don't know me (I've been to a few concerts at Leeds and Teddington, and also posted occasionally on the forum), I've been playing oboe for nearly 3 years now. I did Grade 5 a year ago and had hoped to do Grade 6 last session, but wasn't ready. I'm now really putting in the work again and hope to be ready for Grade 6 next term.

My pieces will be the Nielsen, which I quite like (I'm having some issues with the rhythm in a couple of places, but nothing major), the Bach (again, no major problems) and the Albinoni, with which I am having problems, mainly due to being unable to play the semi-quavers fast enough. I'm also a bit confused as my teacher has said to aim for crochet = 80, which is quite a bit slower than any of the recordings I've heard. I think I posted about this last summer, but can't remember exactly what I said, so aplocies if I'm repeating myself.

I'm sorry I couldn't use the quote feature properly. I wanted to join in the discussion on grade 6 pieces and reply to people's points, but I couldn't make the quotes work.

[Arundodonuts]

Hi everyone,

I thought it was about time I started joining in this thread. I've been meaning to for a while, but then it seemed so established and I didn't want to but in.

Welcome. The more the merrier.

My pieces will be the Nielsen, which I quite like (I'm having some issues with the rhythm in a couple of places, but nothing major), the Bach (again, no major problems) and the Albinoni, with which I am having problems, mainly due to being unable to play the semi-quavers fast enough. I'm also a bit confused as my teacher has said to aim for crochet = 80, which is quite a bit slower than any of the recordings I've heard.

Aagh. Now I'm going to have to fish that out again and give it another go. I had great problems with the bars 51-52 and slogged away with the metronome trying to get the speed up whilst keeping the semi quavers even. One thing I do recall my teacher saying about this and other baroque pieces is not to slavishly follow the (usually editorial) articulations. Sticking in slurs here and there is quite acceptable and can be helpful in fast passages.

I'm sorry I couldn't use the quote feature properly. I wanted to join in the discussion on grade 6 pieces and reply to people's points, but I couldn't make the quotes work.

Can you do it now or do you need help?

[katica]

I'm sorry I couldn't use the quote feature properly. I wanted to join in the discussion on grade 6 pieces and reply to people's points, but I couldn't make the quotes work.

Great to have you here amber_piano!

I'm up for a discussion on G6 oboe. I was just wondering whether this might get boring for the other oboists here, though it'd be great to have their input. Or else we could start a specific thread...

I might be back later on the Telemann and Nielsen... but I've got to get off to get my shopping done and clear the house as it's my turn to host the New Year's party... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/party1.gif)

[Roseau]

I prefer the Nielsen, though. But I think I'd want a much more singing tone and for a bit of that good old vibrato to emerge before I gave either of those pieces a shot in the exams. Otherwise the long Ds sound rather boring.

I like the Nielsen a lot (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) If you are playing it for an exam, you need to have a good accompanist as the piano part is difficult (it's the only time I've heard my teacher say he could do with three hands (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) ). However, because it is a "proper" part (think of it as a conversation between the oboe and the piano) you will find that the "boring" bits disappear completely when you play with a pianist.

Oh, and for a bit of fun I'm also working on a Vanhal duet (Sonata 4 from Six Duets, originally for flute or bassoon, rather oddly...).

If you like these, you may also like his oboe concerto. It is fairly straightforward to play - it is one of the first ones that my teacher gave me (and I don't remember thinking aagh I'll neve be able to play this as I did with so much of the music that he gave me at that stage). It must also be the cheapest piece of music I have ever bought. None of the usual online sites had it in stock, and even the publisher said it was out of print. My teacher had lent me his copy to play from but eventually I found a "new" copy in a small music shop where it must have been sitting for ever and was priced ?2.50. I offered to pay more for it but I think they were just glad to get rid of it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

I have some extra-curricular items I want to spend some time on too. The Gregson sonata which I've banged on about in the past. I reckon I could have a bash at the first couple of movements now. A couple of Britten's 6 Metamorphoses and start on the Telemann Fantasies.

The Telemann Fantasies are much harder than they look and it is very difficult to give the impression that there are two oboes playing (as Nicholas Daniel so effortlessly does on his CD of them). I really struggled with them the first time my teacher gave me some to learn. My heart sank when a couple of years later he suggest I learn another one but I was pleasantly surprised to discover that they were no longer quite so impossible.

And Katica, I still don't know which Vivaldi concertos I was supposed to be looking at. I have got one C major one and one F major one and I'll find out on Wednesday if they're the right ones or not.

[amber_piano]

Hi everyone,

I thought it was about time I started joining in this thread. I've been meaning to for a while, but then it seemed so established and I didn't want to but in.

Welcome. The more the merrier.

Thanks (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

My pieces will be the Nielsen, which I quite like (I'm having some issues with the rhythm in a couple of places, but nothing major), the Bach (again, no major problems) and the Albinoni, with which I am having problems, mainly due to being unable to play the semi-quavers fast enough. I'm also a bit confused as my teacher has said to aim for crochet = 80, which is quite a bit slower than any of the recordings I've heard.

Aagh. Now I'm going to have to fish that out again and give it another go. I had great problems with the bars 51-52 and slogged away with the metronome trying to get the speed up whilst keeping the semi quavers even. One thing I do recall my teacher saying about this and other baroque pieces is not to slavishly follow the (usually editorial) articulations. Sticking in slurs here and there is quite acceptable and can be helpful in fast passages.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try that and see if it helps.

I'm sorry I couldn't use the quote feature properly. I wanted to join in the discussion on grade 6 pieces and reply to people's points, but I couldn't make the quotes work.

Can you do it now or do you need help?

I think I have it now. I could do straightforward quotes, but the problem came with trying to put more than one quote in my reply. Think I've got it sorted now. Thanks for the offer, though.

[Arundodonuts]

Can you do it now or do you need help?

I think I have it now. I could do straightforward quotes, but the problem came with trying to put more than one quote in my reply. Think I've got it sorted now. Thanks for the offer, though.

Yep looks like you've cracked it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[katica]

I have some extra-curricular items I want to spend some time on too. The Gregson sonata which I've banged on about in the past. I reckon I could have a bash at the first couple of movements now. A couple of Britten's 6 Metamorphoses and start on the Telemann Fantasies. There are also a couple of Schumannn pieces wich are pretty and don't look as tough as the Romances (one of the "5 Pieces in Folk Style" and "Abendlied").

Uh oh. My 25 quid Xmas Howarth's voucher is not going to cover everything I now have on my wishlist! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

I like the Nielsen a lot (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) If you are playing it for an exam, you need to have a good accompanist as the piano part is difficult (it's the only time I've heard my teacher say he could do with three hands (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) ). However, because it is a "proper" part (think of it as a conversation between the oboe and the piano) you will find that the "boring" bits disappear completely when you play with a pianist.

I think the piano accompaniment is what makes it more interesting. I actually have two piano backing tracks for this (on the the ABRSM G6 CD and on MMO one). Does anyone have any thoughts on whether playing to backing tracks is a Good Thing or not? I find it a fun replacement to the metronome.

If you like these, you may also like his oboe concerto.

I can't find this anywhere. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)
I'm rather restricted to anywhere I can order from via internet, unfortunately. The only reference of any kind to the Vanhal oboe concerto I could find on the internet was to a rather obscure CD. Even the entry on wikipedia (admittedly, not infallible) doesn't list the concerto.

The Telemann Fantasies are much harder than they look and it is very difficult to give the impression that there are two oboes playing (as Nicholas Daniel so effortlessly does on his CD of them).

I wouldn't mind having that! It's incredible but ND is one of my favourite oboists and I have NO CDs of him. I do have a CD of my teacher playing the Telemann Fantasies (not published).

On a different note ( (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) ), I was thinking of posting a couple of images of a few bars of things I'm having problems with so you more advanced folks could help me and know what I'm talking about. Is that legal? I know with books you can copy a few pages without infringing copyright.

[Roseau]

I think the piano accompaniment is what makes it more interesting. I actually have two piano backing tracks for this (on the the ABRSM G6 CD and on MMO one). Does anyone have any thoughts on whether playing to backing tracks is a Good Thing or not? I find it a fun replacement to the metronome.

I have never tried one but (now that I have bought my daughter a digital piano) I was thinking of recording myself playing the piano accompaniment and playing with myself (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) . A couple of years ago my trombone-playing daughter had a book with a CD accompaniment and after trying it she told her teacher that she much preferred a real pianist (ie me) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

I can't find this anywhere. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)
I'm rather restricted to anywhere I can order from via internet, unfortunately. The only reference of any kind to the Vanhal oboe concerto I could find on the internet was to a rather obscure CD. Even the entry on wikipedia (admittedly, not infallible) doesn't list the concerto.

I have just checked my copy and realised that his name is written Vanhall (given as a possible spelling on Wikipedia) and his initials given as JC (Wikipedia also gives him as JK) but the dates are the same so I assume it is the same person (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) The concerto is/was published by OUP.

The Telemann Fantasies are much harder than they look and it is very difficult to give the impression that there are two oboes playing (as Nicholas Daniel so effortlessly does on his CD of them).

I wouldn't mind having that! It's incredible but ND is one of my favourite oboists and I have NO CDs of him. I do have a CD of my teacher playing the Telemann Fantasies (not published).

The CD is "Oboe Alone" and does not have all the Fantasies (the Fantasies alternate with modern pieces for unaccompanied oboe). He plays some of them rather differently from the way French people usually play them (I have another CD with all of them on by a French oboist but can't remember which one without going to find the CD) and I much prefer ND's interpretation. I had a long discussion about it with my teacher, who remained unconvinced. It would be interesting to see how your teacher's interpretation compares.

On a different note ( (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) ), I was thinking of posting a couple of images of a few bars of things I'm having problems with so you more advanced folks could help me and know what I'm talking about. Is that legal? I know with books you can copy a few pages without infringing copyright.

I don't know what the law says but people have posted a few bars on here before and they have never been removed by the Mods.