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Re: What is the "dark" oboe sound?

Author: RobinDesHautbois
Date: 2010-09-11 11:29

You made an important observation Rachel, you are essentially commenting on blending.

I have recently heard some orchestras (on the radio) with oboists who have dark sounds but don't blend at all (stick out like a sore thumb). Then again, all instruments (woods, brass, strings) seemed to stick out when they were not supposed to and their solos were "too soloistic".

I personally chase a dark tone because it pelases my tired ears, always seeking calm soothing sounds. I also chase the goosey quality because I find it uplifts my spirits. But again, give me those high-energy Transylvanian dances on a very buzzy reed indeed!

I don't know how well we, as performers, can assess that (I must apologize for speaking through my hat as I have been out of the game for quite a while). I remember that the concert hall at Université de Montréal was Amazing because each musician in the 100-piece orchestra could hear him/herself and relate to every other musician (though much smaller, far superior acoustically to Place des Arts where the big orchestras play). Though McGill University has a superior hall in terms of technology and production capabilities, the experience for the musicians is much less satisfying.

I have played in woodwind quintets and Strauss/Mendelssohn larger wind ensembles where I would blend in or not blend in at all (with the same sound.... bright and shrill back then) depending on how I got along with the other musicians.

Then, there is the whole notion of "prise de son" (capturing the sound at recordings). I have witnessed the difference that good versus bad microphone choice and placement can do.... REALLY big deal. An engineer who doesn't distinguish between the needs of a vibrant church compared to a dull recital hall can do serious dammage!

This matter is a tough one indeed!

Robin Tropper
M.A.Sc., B.Mus., B.Ed.
http://RobinDesHautbois.blogspot.ca/music

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What is the "dark" oboe sound? new

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2010-09-10 17:10