 The Oboe BBoard
|
Author: Old Oboe
Date: 2010-11-13 13:26
I'm considering buying a used English Horn. I've reviewed previous threads on the board about various makes and models etc. I have some additional questions. Some of the lower level instruments have plateau keys and the better ones have a split D. I have fairly small hands and need to concentrate to cover the split D on my oboe. What issues might I face if I chose the plateau style instrument? Are there any "must have" keys that I would not know about from playing the oboe?
I play with amateur/community bands and there are only a couple skilled cor players in the area who are willing to play as ringers in important parts with such low level groups. And I get envious hearing saxophones play these luscious parts!
Thanks for your opinions.
Linda
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2010-11-13 16:03
It's usually a shame when saxes cover the missing cor part as more often than not the alto sax players in the average concert band aren't the greatest or most musical players in the world.
The RH finger spacing on some cors is often slightly narrower than that on oboe, though usually it's about the same. The E tonehole has been relocated higher up the lower joint to place it comfortably under RH3, but the diameter of the tonehole has been made smaller to compensate for the position and this does make the tone quality suffer to some degree on low E, plus makes low E played at pp a pain.
On an intermediate level cor you will only have the lack of the RH3 split D#-E trill mechanism, but you may also have a simplified forked F vent which will probably remain open for the altissimo notes. Pro cors have the low C key close the F vent for top C#, D and Eb which stabilise these notes, though on cors where the F vent remains open you may have to work at the tuning and response of them, but experiment with embouchures and also find fingerings in the RH which secure these notes.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Old Oboe
Date: 2010-11-15 01:47
Thanks Chris. I always appreciate your knowledgeable answers! I'll be paying close attention as I test play!
Linda
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: lbarton
Date: 2010-11-15 14:28
Although the split ring key RH 3rd finger has advantages in occaisional passages, I found due to arthritis I cannot reliably cover the key, and hence had a cork put in to close the hole in center . I have very rarely missed using the split ring in quite a lot of community orchestra and serious amateur playing. Therefore if you find an instrument you like and the price is right do not completely eliminate it from consideration. Lois Barton
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
