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Re: New to oboe: Help me with my tones on lower register, esp. third line

Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-09-08 17:53

Are you finding the C rather thin and bright in comparison to other notes?

This C is a notoriously bright note on oboe, and next to mid-line Bb and the D above it can stick out like a sore thumb.

I get told to sweeten this C a lot by my teacher - perhaps try putting more right hand fingers down for it - I usually play C like this: xoo|xxx or xoo|xxo just to give it more resonance and resistance, and it makes going from C to D across the break much easier and smoother too.

And try using different embouchures for the C as well to thicken the tone quality.

And the C-D trill has two of the brightest and thinnest notes on the oboe (xoo|x/oo for the D) - the D played this way is even brighter still!

One thing with oboe that seems a lot more pronounced than other instruments is the noticeable change in the vowel sound for certain notes or parts of the registers - some notes are really round and flute-like (as in 'Oooh') whereas some noteas are bright and brash (as in 'EE'!) whereas some notes are 'Aah' or 'Orr' and 'Aww' - and to me this is all part of the oboe's character and charm - and hearing all these qualities present in an oboe solo you can tell exactly what notes are being played - and it's something that electronics cannot touch.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

Post Edited (2006-09-08 17:54)

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