Author: jamesoboe
Date: 2004-09-19 12:38
If no-one objects, I thought I would begin the discussion of what strikes me, from listening to the clips on the oboe gallery, http://www.oboistgallery.8m.net (see previous Nissen thread).
Of the American clips, it seems fitting that De Lancie is heard playing the Strauss, as I believe it was he who suggested to Strauss that he should write an oboe concerto. That said it is Alex Klein who plays with the most flair and amazing virtuosity. I quite like the poise of the Robinson clips. I have him playing Godard's Legende Pastorale on his New York Legends CD. I love the way he floats throughout the whole piece without any sense of fatigue. A nice CD! However, the absence of Richard Woodhams clips is something that must be remedied.
Of the European clips, there is a greater degree of variety, so I shall limit myself to just a few of them in this thread. I may comment on those I miss at a later date. The standout names for me here are Holliger, Leleux, Albrecht Meyer, Indermuhle, Stefan Schilli and Gordon Hunt. Holliger is in a league of his own. He sets the benchmark for oboists all over the planet, and has, as yet, not been bettered. His tone is usually very clear and a little strident, but his artistry and technical accomplishment place him in the realms of the greats; finer than virtually any wind player of any instrument, so great is he!
Leleux and Schilli are both international prizewinners, forming the solo principal oboes of the Bayerischer Rundfunk Orchestra, one of Germany's great bands. They play quite differently. Leleux is poise and sophistication with phenomenal control and flexibility; while Schilli is sparkling, with a singing tone and a supremely clean technique. Albrecht Meyer is quite an interesting player who surprises with each new CD. He employs a phenomenal technique with a mid-range tone, which I find very attractive. His new Bach CD "Lieder ohne Worte" is an absolute must have recording of very beautiful arrangements for oboe and orchestra. Gordon Hunt is an example of British oboe tone at its best. The Bliss clip shows him demonstrating one of the most attractive, singing, tones on the gallery. For my money, however, there is a little bit of British reserve in his playing. Indermuhle shows me in biassed mode because I studied with him. After Holliger, I feel he has one of the most intellectually satisfying discographies of any oboist. He possesses a technique equalled by very few, with a tone varying from warm to quite bright depending on the CD. He, for me, is interesting because he, more than most, trys to put the composer's intentions ahead of soloistic bravura. Some fascinating Couperin, Telemann, CPE Bach, JS Bach, and 20th century recordings show his insightfulness in his playing.
Some of the threads I have not yet commented on may be more well known, but, for me, don't stimulate quite as much, regardless of the fact that I may still really admire their playing.
How does anyone else feel? Please send in your clips if you feel someone is missing.
Best wishes
James
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