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Re: speed

Author: JRC
Date: 2012-08-12 15:11

Oboe is fundamentally a d-instrument that was forced become c-instrument by adding keys. It missed Boehm engineering period largely due to wrong idea of sound that Boehm had. He tried with large tone holes and relatively higher conicity to promote brighter and louder sound, much like saxophone. It did not catch on. Oboists, typically and historically, are more concerned with sound quality than ability to play fast passage in a wider range. So it is reflected in oboe repertoire, perhaps except Pasculli and a few contemporary composers. More and more younger players do handle Pasculli these days. It is not only the speed but also with perfect double tonguing and circular breathing. But do not expect most well paid orchestra players to be able to do that.

Its fingerings above 3rd-c are some variations of 3rd harmonics of the bore. The 3rd harmonics of an oboe tends to be sharp. The variations of fingering largely originate from closing or opening additional tone holes from the 3rd harmonics to make the pitch come out close enough for lipping up or down a little bit to correct it. Some oboists use different fingerings to adjust for particular instrument. So, there is little systematic fingering that flows above 3rd-c. Therefore, oboe is basically good up to 3rd-c with occasional higher notes, typically up to 3rd-g. Skilled professional oboist can extend the flowing range to 3rd-f but they are not many. Even fewer can go up to 3rd-g. I have yet to see any one come down smoothly from over there chromatically or in any type of scale.

Some can make sound higher than 3rd-g but I am not sure those can be considered musical tones. On the other hand, fundamental concept of musicality is changing. I heard Nicholas Daniel bragging about producing 3rd-b and higher notes by holding the reed between teeth not lips. I do not personally consider those musical notes. Perhaps you might.

Saxophone also has a conical bore like oboe. But unlike oboe, saxophone was designed fundamentally promote brighter and louder sound. Also unlike oboe, it is designed as c-instrument from the start and with Boehm engineering. Fingering dexterity is much more flexible and smoother than oboe. Just listen to Charlie Parker and any beebop era saxophone players. But the range limitation is just about the same as oboe and 3rd-octave fingerings are as clumsy as oboe.

Flute is a cylindrical bore instrument, which was engineered by Boehm. Its fingering flows to nearly full 3rd harmonics, 3rd-c and even higher with skilled players, with flowing fingerings and mostly in tune. It is much better engineered system. But it sounds like flute, fortunately or unfortunately depending on your point of view.

Post Edited (2012-08-12 15:57)

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