The Oboe BBoard

The Oboe BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Re: English Horn!! HELP!!

Author: DressedToKill
Date: 2006-04-23 14:30

The English horn is the total polar opposite of the oboe...everything you do on the oboe to produce a beautiful, lyrical sound will cause the English horn to sound like a small kitten that has just been stepped upon. You must use ENORMOUS breath support, and don't be afraid to BLOW. You've got a big horn there, and it takes a lot of puff to fill it. And always remember to keep your facial muscles as relaxed as possible...oboists have a very strong tendency to pinch the face as one goes higher to maintain the pitch, but the English horn has a built-in resonance vent which keeps your pitch stable on high G and A, so don't try to make any adjustments with your mouth ,just make sure you keep your air supported.

For some clips of a very, very gorgeous proper English horn sound, go to http://www.fishcreekmusic.com/fcm_sound.htm and listen to Julie Ann Giacobassi (the EH of the San Francisco Symphony, and someone I've been fortunate enough to study with).

My personal favorite is the Ballade from the Ewazen Quintet...she has an INCREDIBLY beautiful sound.

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics