Author: Kai
Date: 2004-05-14 09:51
Hi guys,
I am an oboe student studying in Holland but I won't be able to answer your question on what is a Dutch scrape. This is probably because I have a swiss teacher with classmates from all over the world (except from Holland); the majority of Dutch oboe students I guess go to schools such as the Amsterdam or the Royal Conservatory because that's where the Dutch style is taught. These teachers of course, include musicians from the Concertgebouw. But here are some information about the oboe tradition in this country.
This Dutch style or scrape has a lot to do with the accoustics of the Concertgebouw itself - which in many's opinion, one of the best in the world. (I am looking forward to experiencing it for myself next month!) One player from the orchestra once said that this richly reverberent hall allows you to play and be heard without forcing your tone. Hence, for listeners who enjoy the Concertgebouw's sound, there is a 'unforced and relaxed' feel about it. The 2 most influential oboists who adopted this 'strategy' to play in the Concertgebouw were Jaap and Haakon Stotijn (father and son) with Haakon going on to become principal oboist. From their teachings, we then have the other fantastic Dutch oboists such as Jan Spronk, Han de Vries and more recently Pauline Oostenrijk (just to name a few). As far as I can gather, the scrape is still a U-shape but from the few samples that I can look at, the scrape is extremely short, playing is at the very tip and there is something to do with the gouging as well. I have also seen reeds with 2 wires, each at different 'heights.' Sorry I cannot provide any more substantial data!
One of the few Orchestras in the world in present times to still have a highly distinction sound of its own. I amy not be playing with their reeds but I do hope that this tradition carries on.
Personally, I do think the player makes more of the difference than the dimensions and measurements. So, to really understand what all this translates to, no better way than to listen to a Concertgebouw recording!
Happy reed-making!
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