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Doublereed Archive - Posting 000020.txt from 2005/09

From: PhilFrei@-----.com
Subj: [DR-L] Expression and the hands - oboe
Date: Fri, 09 Sep 2005 06:49:00 -0400

Another insomnious musing:

In comparing instruments and expression, we often cite the oboe having an
advantage in that we get to use our breath expressively. Other instruments:
keyboards, strings, percussion, get to use their hands expressively and we don't.

This wouldn't be so bad, but whereas other instruments can at least sing or
hum along with themselves, can breath expressively to help feel the music, I've
only figured out in the last few months that have to learn to actively
SUPPRESS the natural expressiveness of the hands.

If we don't, the extraneous movements and tensions disrupt smoothness and
cause all sorts of glitches and breaks between the notes. Why is it other
instruments don't seem to have it so bad. Is there something about the Boehm system
for flutes/saxes that makes it more forgiving than the oboe? If so, why isn't
it used with the oboe? (Keyholes too big for the tiny bore, or something like
that?)

As someone who enjoys playing piano, guitar and electric bass on occassion, I
do miss using my hands to accent notes on the oboe. It's taking quite a while
to figure out how to do what so easily can be done with the hands with the
breath and embouchure instead.

- Phil Freihofner

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