Author: jhoyla
Date: 2008-10-09 19:46
It is certainly true that the oboe's natural tone-quality will cut through anything. There are Indian members of the oboe family that can give trumpets a run for their money - I know, I was there, and those things blow your head off.
I'm a regular quintet player, and the complaint I hear most often is that I'm playing "too loud". Now, this is NOT generally the case! I am playing my full dynamic range, from ppp through fff, but if I'm not careful I can be always "in their faces". It goes with the oboist territory.
Being in tune is no good if everyone else is sharp! (or flat). In any ensemble situation, you need to work with your colleagues to achieve a common pitch for all notes, all dynamics. This does not occur naturally, and being a commissioned officer of the intonation police does not help one whit. You must all sound in tune with each other, and this is far more important than absolute tuning levels as shown by your trusty Korg.
For a decent blend in a quintet you must first be very clear when you are playing lead (if you need to, mark these passages in your music). Now, all those OTHER times you must REALLY drop into the background. Assume every dynamic is at least one stop less than written, and consciously try and blend with the other players. At ALL times, you MUST be able to hear all your colleagues, even when you are playing lead.
If you make your own reeds, try and soften them up without sacrificing too much range. If you buy ready-made, try "dusting" lightly the sides of the heart and the blend.
There are plenty of exercises you can do with your colleagues to improve blend and intonation, but this depends on their willingness as well. Play long, slow scales in unison, at different dynamics. It is a good idea to do this in the key of the music you are about to play - this can shake out many intonation problems in a "laboratory" setting, instead of trying to figure out who was out of tune in bar 76.
Bottom line, though, is that practice makes perfect. The more you practice together, work together, and listen to each other's comments, the better you will sound as a quintet. There is no ensemble I find more rewarding.
Good luck,
J.
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