Author: GoodWinds ★2017
Date: 2011-03-11 23:59
'Musicality' is an elusive thing but has to do with presence and expression, somehow, through the means of an instrument. I think in our world of Specialization we've gotten very, very technical and forget about the many artists who 'made do' with less than Perfect Instruments, and their Musicality shone through nonetheless BECAUSE their focus was the Music.
Seem obvious, but I too am guilty of obsessing over a reed adjustment as opposed to taking more time to listen to its quirks before I act.
I doubt I will ever be able to afford a Really Superb oboe, so I try to take care of what I have and make the thing(s) sing. It would be nice to have a state-of-the-art instrument, but I can actually be quite happy without one; as long as you can convey shade and nuance through your chosen means, and whether or not you make your own reeds, etc., you can give Music.
Although I've listened to recordings of famous oboists, my teacher's sound stands foremost in my memory, and his style creeps into my playing. I think what we can be thankful for is the People, famous or not, that opened up the world of a very emotive instrument to us, and honor them (or their memory) by playing as well as we can.
GoodWinds
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