Author: d-oboe
Date: 2006-05-13 13:38
As much as I love to prattle on about oboe, this is one case where it is necessary.
For those out there that want to take oboe to the next level - that is, beyond just playing parts in band that are doubled by flutes or clarinets anyway - the oboe really needs to be the only instrument. Unlike the more traditional doubling jobs, such as clarinettists who play saxophone, or saxophonists who play flute, the oboe really doesn't have any friends, just its big brother, the english horn.
-The main reason is that the physiology of oboe playing is incredibly different than that of any other wind instrument. We have to deal with back-pressure, caused by a naturally too small aperture, embouchure fatigue to a much greater extent than others, and of course that two-reed setup.
-Because of the somewhat cramped nature of the oboe, we have to be even more flexible than normal, in order to maintain a true sound. (Has everyone been doing their embouchure rolling exercises for flexibility?!?!? :P)
Now, here's where doubling presents a problem.
Clarinet+saxophone: if you've ever looked at these instruments, you'll see that the reed doesn't touch the mouthpiece at the end. However, in order to produce vibration, it has to be "pressed" against the mouthpiece somewhat . This produces a natural biting tendency, which is completely out on the oboe.
Flute- Flutists have to play in such a way to conserve air, yet still produce a true sound. Oboists are the exact opposite - we always have too much air!
|
|
The Oboe BBoard
.jpg){kind=small}
