 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: jamesoboe
Date: 2004-07-29 16:51
I was wondering if many of you out there had recordings which for you are pivotal, or hold a special place in your heart. Maybe a certain oboist's tone, or playing, captured your imagination at an important time in your oboistic development. Perhaps you have a piece of oboe music which you find hauntingly beautiful, and listen to time and time again to recharge the batteries.
For me an obvious beginning was Holliger's recording of all the Vivaldi concertos; various Telemann concertos and in particular his wonderful recording of Karl Ditters von Dittersdorf concerto in G major.
Thereafter, Thomas Indermuhle's recording of CPE Bach concerto in A minor Wq 166; his Couperin CDs; his JS Bach concertos CD, and his version of two Pasculli concertos from his Intermezzo CD stand out.
Next was Francois Leleux' debut CD, in particular the Britten Phantasy quartet and the Poulenc oboe sonata.
Most recently I've been taken by the debut CD of Albrecht Mayer and also his "Lieder ohne Worte" (songs without words) transcription CD.
There are loads of others but I'd be here all day. I'd be very interested to have recommendations for American players. We don't see so many American solo oboe recordings over here. I listened to Richard Woodhams' Herschel oboe concertos CD based on a recommendation. It's a great CD and played with great artistry by the soloist. Any other suggestions would be gratefully received.
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Author: corinne
Date: 2004-07-30 03:31
I have a few oboe cd's that I listen to all the time. The one that gets me *every time!* is Scene from "Swan Lake". The oboist does just plays the part so beautifully that tears form in my eyes every time I hear it (I'm being very serious). Sometime's I think I'm crazy, but, yeah, that's one piece that I would love to be able to play that well........*so beautiful*.
The recording I have is off of the cd called The Instruments of Classical Music: THE OBOE. And I believe that it was played by the Bavarian Radio Syphony Orchestra; Hans Vok, conductor ~ that's what it says at the bottom beside a (6, 13) which I think mean tracks 6 - Dance of the Swans (from "Swan Lake") and 13 - Scene (from "Swan Lake")
If I knew how then I would put it somewhere online to where y'all can hear it ... which would be awesome, but I don't know how....*sob*
Corinne
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Author: jamesoboe
Date: 2004-07-30 09:32
The oboe part to Swan Lake is really amazing. The very first note of the whole work is a lonesome F# played on the oboe which sets the tone for the rest of the work. I've never had the good luck to play the whole work, just selected highlights. Fortunately, I have the whole work on CD played by the Philharmonia with Principal Oboist Gordon Hunt, one of our top players. Of course, the story of Swan Lake has a tragic ending. It's only in death that the spell can be broken, the swans set free, and the Prince and the Queen of the Swans' love can triumph. The oboe dominates part of the final scene with a nervous version of the famous tune.
If you are into tragic, beautiful ballets, with wonderful oboe tunes, try Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet. I am always blown away by Romeo and Juliet's love dance, but more than this, the tragedy in Act 3, as it unfolds, contains some of the most heart-breaking music of the 20th century; in particular, Juliet's funeral, and the Death of Juliet. A lonely Oboe and Cor Anglais bring the work to an end. It's a shame we don't have a concerto by either of these composers, but there's plenty to be grateful for in their symphonic works.
One composer who gives oboists sensational solos, whom you might like to listen to, is Mahler. Kindertotenlieder; RuckertLieder; Das Lied von der Erde etc., are all great moments for oboe or cor anglais.
Are there any other suggestions out there for orchestral, or concerto solos, not yet touched upon?
Post Edited (2004-07-30 09:43)
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Author: jamesoboe
Date: 2004-07-30 09:36
Post Edited (2004-07-30 09:39)
Sorry about this thread, I pressed the enter button twice without realising it.
Regards
James
Post Edited (2004-07-30 09:42)
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Author: Ellen
Date: 2004-07-30 15:38
Do you know where I could purchase a recording of this Swan Lake with Gordon Hunt CD?
Ellen
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Author: jamesoboe
Date: 2004-07-30 21:10
Dear Ellen
if you go to www.classicsforpleasure.com and click on the letter T, then scroll down you'll find a 6 CD Box Collection of Tchaikovsky's 3 Ballets with the Philharmonia conducted by John Lanchbery. I only have the double CD of Swan Lake. But I noticed you can submit an enquiry to the company if you're only after the one work. They may have it to sell. On the side of my recording there are two sets of numbers
CD-CFPD 4727
CDB 7 67394 2
It's a 1982 recording. I hope that helps.
Good luck. Regards
James
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Author: rgombine
Date: 2004-07-30 21:57
There is a fairly amazing CD of John Mack playing Mozart Oboe quartet, Concertante by Paladihl (sp?), Loeffler (amazing!), Mozart Oboe concerto. I usually drag it out after I haven't played in awhile to get me inspired.
Thereis a Richard Woodhams recording of Tambeau de Couperin w/ Philadephia Orchestra that I also love.
Others have posted enjoying an Alex Klein recording of the Strauss Oboe Concerto -- haven't heard this one.
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Author: jamesoboe
Date: 2004-07-31 08:46
I noticed on Amazon.com that there are two recordings of the Loeffler Rhapsodies, the other being played by Allan Vogel. I recall having on cassette, from many years ago, a recording of him and a flautist, named David Shostak (not sure about spelling), of concerto da camera, by Arthur Honneger, which is a wonderful work for Flute and Cor Anglais and strings. The slow mvt. is very, very beautiful. I now no longer know where that cassette is, but I now have a CD of it with the Cor Anglaisist from the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Pierre-Vincent Plante. He plays very beautifully. Getting back to the theme, however, I really like Allan Vogel's playing and tone. Does anyone know where he plays, is he in an orchestra? Is there a well-known recording by him of anything?
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Author: Jryanaus
Date: 2004-07-31 09:50
James,
In answer to your query I believe Allan Vogel plays as solo oboist in the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.
Of particular interest about Allan Vogel is that he studied on a Fullbright Grant with Lothar Koch after previous study with Robert Bloom amongst others.
There's a website of Allan Vogel which references his recordings:
http://www.oboe.org/allanvogel
The recording I have of his is entitled 'Oboe Obsession' (DELOS- DE3235) which includes sonatas of Saint Saens, Poulenc, Schumann Romances and Britten Metamorphoses. However my favourite item on the disc is the Shinohara 'Obsession for oboe and Piano'. He is a very interesting player.
As for some of my desert island oboe discs- I'd have to say that Maurice Bougue's latest Schumann CD is phenomenal- a true exhibition of his mastery at 60+ years of age! It's called Schumann Recital- Bourgue & Pommier on the Radio France Label -especially the 2nd Romance. Furthermore I fell in love with the William Alwyn concerto after hearing Nicholas Daniel's playing on the Chandos Label- extroadinary pianissimo playing! Also anyone heard the Pavane pour une morte Enfant performed on D'amore by Thomas Stacey?- rather sublime!
Lastly thankyou to the person who recommended the Alex Klein solo Bach partitas- just about the most astonishing technical mastery of the oboe around!
I believe he is to release the Martinu, Jano (Brazillian technical tour de force) and a Polish Concerto on CD shortly with the Czech National Orchestra- this should be great listening.
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Author: jamesoboe
Date: 2004-07-31 12:20
Dear Jryanaus
many thanks for the info. I'll keep an eye open for Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra recordings. It doesn't surprise me that he studied with Lothar Koch, I can really sense a sort of cross-over style in his playing. I'll also keep a lookout for Bourge's Schumann CD. He gave a masterclass last year at the RSAMD in Glasgow, where I teach. He's definitely lost none of his energy, even after several heart attacks. As regards the Nick Daniel CD, I think it's one of his very best. Certainly, he makes a wonderful tone on this recording. He's coming up to do a concerto with my orchestra in March 2005, but it'll all be a blur, as I'll be playing the cor solo from Schostakovich 8 at about the same time.
Judging by your e-mail, are you from Australia? If so, you probably know Diana Doherty, Principal Oboe with the Sidney Symphony Orchestra. I was in the same oboe class with her in Germany, studying with Thomas Indermuhle. She's not only a sensational oboist, but one of the nicest people you could hope to meet. Send her my best if you are in contact with her.
I've not heard much Alex Klein, but I hear he's a phenomal player, and I'll definitely keep my eye open for his new Martinu CD. Thanks once again for your input.
Regards
James
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Author: Jryanaus
Date: 2004-07-31 12:42
James,
Pleased to know you like Diana Doherty- she has an amazingly infectious personality. Many who attended the IDRS 2004 Conference will remember that she had to fill in the Erik Ross oboe concerto in 2 or so days notice and as usual stepped up and blew one away- I'll give her your regards. Furthermore, her husband isn't half bad a musician either! Alexandre Oguey a really terrific Cor Anglais player- did you study with him in your class too? he's my teacher in Sydney. In terms of Diana Doherty CD's to recommend to everyone her 1995 CD on Pan Classics is terrific- Haydn, Mozart, Martinu and Zimmerman Concertos-it captures her vicacious energy! She's to release the enterprising Ross Edwards Concerto with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and will make her New York Philharmonic Debut as soloist with this Concerto in February 2005- Thomas Stacey will play the Cor Anglais solo in the "Love Duet Movement" (rather than her husband, Alexandre as has been the logical practice)
I will endeavour to add a Diana Doherty clip on the oboe gallery of sound clips when I learn how to do it!
All the best from Down under
Jonathan
Post Edited (2004-07-31 12:45)
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Author: jamesoboe
Date: 2004-07-31 17:17
Dear Jonathan
nothing surprises me about Diana's capacity to be amazing. I just count myself lucky to have met and heard her play. Australia's producing some great players these days, I'm sure, in part, due to the fantastic oboe section in Sydney SO. I don't really know Alexandre Oguey, but I'd heard he was a very fine player. Didn't the pair meet in an opera orchestra in Switzerland?
He wasn't in my class, but Antony Chesterman was. I believe Antony plays for the Australian Chamber Orchesra, as well as playing baroque oboe. We all used to have such a laugh in Karlsruhe, Germany, in, and outside, the class.
Fortunately, I came across Diana's CD in Dusseldorf of all places and bought it. Theses days every corner of the world is producing great players. I love the idea of a "Love Duet Movement" as part of an oboe concerto. Poor Alexandre, not to get to take up his rightful place as the so-called "Lover". Nevertheless, Thomas Stacy will be great to play alongside, and, I'm sure, be a good laugh, also.
Keeping to the idea of the topic - I've got a record of Bruce Haynes playing a fantastic concerto by Platti. It's on baroque oboe. Does anyone know where he's based? Is he a member of any particular group or ensemble?
I think Thomas Nissen's idea about forming an oboe gallery is a great idea. He's already started with several examples and explains how to go about getting examples online. I, like many others, however, am too computer-illiterate to really understand it all. Maybe one day!
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Author: Jryanaus
Date: 2004-08-01 02:18
Another Amazing oboe CD is Bruce Haynes playing Bach Duets with Daniel Taylor (the counter tenor) on the ATMA label. I believe he is originally an American that is now based in Montreal.
He is also a prolific author I'm told- perhaps baroque oboists can help us out?
Post Edited (2004-08-01 03:25)
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Author: Obois
Date: 2004-08-01 04:55
I was really surprised at Bruckners' 6th Symphony. For being a German Romanticist (I might be wrong, but after Haydn there wasn't a major oboe concerto written until Strauss) and a Bruckner there is an incredible amount of solos most of which are very nice, I have my doubts about one of them on my recording (Cleveland Orchestra, Christoph von Dohnanyi) but overall it blew me away. Especially near the beginning of the second movement, sounds like a mourner at a funeral, sorrowful stuff. A solo in the third movement of Vaughan William's Eighth Symphony also seems to get me every time.
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Author: jamesoboe
Date: 2004-08-01 10:05
Dear Jryanaus
interesting to hear Bruce Haynes has relocated to Montreal. I'm wondering if there is a particular ensemble there he works with. Bound to be. As luck would have it, I bought Daniel Taylor's Portrait CD which has selected highlights of some of his recordings. The last track is from his Bach CD and has an aria with Bruce Haynes playing. I seem to recall, however, having difficulty getting hold of it.
Dear Obois - I've only played a handful of Bruckner's symphonies, but not his sixth. I'm not familiar with it. Bruckner's symphonies are always a crowd-puller. One thing I can tell you is, they are absolute jaw-breakers to play; moreso than Mahler, and almost as much as Strauss!
As regards Vaughan Williams, I know exactly how you feel. There is, for me, something very special about his symphonies. I'm presently listening to his London Symphony. The Slow movement is so moving. Some of the harmonies underneath the solos and melodies are just heartbreaking. The Cor Anglais opens and almost closes the second movement. I always sense great nostalgia and very real melancholia throughtout his music; this is a man who lived through two world wars! There is a festival of his music in Dorking, UK, if memory serves. I had the pleasure of being asked to play for one of their festivals, sitting next to Malcolm Messiter. Everything was Vaughan Williams - portraits, music etc. It was such a laugh sitting next to Malcolm - so talented, but with the right attitude to the profession to maintain one's sanity. Some moments to watch out for in his symphonies are the Epilogue of no. 9 (poor first oboe); the above-mentioned cor solos in the 2nd mvt. of the London; the 3rd mvt. of his 5th symph. for cor, and later, oboe and cor duets. Of course, let's not forget his wonderful oboe concerto. I always try to tone down its pastoral elements and crank-up its moments of unease. It's really a greater piece than it's often given credit for!
I was wondering if anyone knew of any chamber music including oboe/cor by Charles Ives? I really like his music. There is something so acidic and original about his works. His 1st symphony only gives very few hints of what was to come later; I rather like the wistful cor solo in the second mvt. There is a symphonic mvt. by him; I believe its one of the Holiday Symphonic mvts., which slowly builds up to a towering climax then has a choir singing at the top of their voices for about 2 minutes. It's just so unexpected and powerful. It's one of my most moving moments in the symphonic repetoire. I've lost count of the number of times I've played it at full blast in my car while driving through the Scottish Highlands. Sublime!
Any Charles Ives' aficianados out there who might know something about oboe/cor works by him? Please leave a message.
Regards
James
Post Edited (2004-08-14 19:32)
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Author: Jryanaus
Date: 2004-08-03 11:49
I was listening on the radio today and heard a snippet of Allan Vogel playing the Bach 1060 with the LAChamer Orchestra and Hillary Hahn, it sounded very good! Anyone heard this recording? I assume it's on Sony or Deutsche Grammophon. Also I was thinking if there was a most precious oboe CD as far as students go, it would have to be the CD Collection that accompanies the 'Orchester Probespiel-Test Pieces for Orchestral Auditions' (Music Partner label-MP 8660). It's a 3cd set with most solos played by Berlin Philharmonic DG recordings, it's amazing to pick up the excerpt in alphabetical order with no effort. I picked it up from the Howarth Oboe factory- it's a must have!
Furthermore, Jamesoboe could you please email me (jonathanryan85@hotmail.com) your email address as Antony Chesterman would like to contact you.
Many thanks
Jonathan
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Author: jamesoboe
Date: 2004-08-03 21:35
Dear jryanaus
thanks for your help with getting in touch with Antony. Hopefully, I will hear from him soon. I just presumed he had been abducted by aliens to account for losing touch with him.
Unlike your sensible approach, I did most things the difficult way. I never studied with an orchestral player. I preferred to concentrate on the other side of the repetoire. Rather than doing the orchestral, I did the recital diploma at the RAM in London. Equally, I did the solo diploma in Germany. What Thomas Indermuhle knows about orchestral extracts you could write on the back of a postage stamp with room to spare. It was the solo and chamber repetoire where he was amazing. That's why I went to him.
Generally, in my orchestra we ask the following extracts:
Mozart concerto 1st and 2nd mvts. to the end of the expositions
Brahms vl. conc. 2nd mvt.
Brahms St. Anthony Variations with repeats 2nd oboe part
Ravel Tombeau de Couperin 1st and menuet mvts.
Silken Ladder (preferably single tongued)
Strauss Don Juan
Strauss 4 last songs 4th mvt. opening
Mahler 3rd symph. slow mvt. opening
Shostakovich 10 symph. 2nd mvt.
Stravinsky Pulcinella
Dvorak slow mvts. from cello conc. and 7th symph. 2nd oboe parts
Tchaikovsky 4th symph. 2nd and 3rd mvts.
Beethoven 3rd symph. slow mvt.
and so on.
From the panels point of view the applicant must be able to:
play in tune
adjust to others and blend in
to play very quietly (you'd be horrified how scary some entries can be)
display good technique and control
be adaptable and expressive while maintaining their own individuality.
It's surprising how many oboists lack one or more of the above qualities.
Thereafter, it's important to get on with the rest of the section. Being first in the tea queue at the breaks is always a good way to endear oneself, I've always found!! They need to feel at ease with you. The job's hard enough without a nervous player sitting next to them!
I listened to lots of different recordings of the above works, to familiarise myself with them in context, before going to auditions.
Finally, try to not fall in the trap of tonal vanity at the audition. The panel will not be impressed by a big, dark, inflexible sound. Lighten-up for the audition, you can always demonstrate your tone during the trial, later.
I hope this helps any would-be orchestral oboists out there!
Regards
James
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Author: oboeblank
Date: 2004-08-03 23:40
Wow there are a ton of recordings that people seem to love. I think one of the most influential recordings I ever listened to was of the late Harold Gomberg performing the Britten Phantasy quartet and a recording of Baroque oboe sonatas and concertos. That was one of the greatest recordings I ever heard. As well as Marc Lischey of the Cleveland Orchestra playing the complete Pulcinella ballet with Stravinsky conducting, and some recordings of Bob Bloom and he Bach Aria group.
As far as desert island recordings:
John Ferrillo's Mozart oboe quartet. It is some of the most amazing oboe playing that I have ever heard. Absolutely sublime oboe playing.
Elaine Douvas, and Dick Woodhams. I am so Amero-centric. Sorry. Those are just my personal faves.
I did notice something interesting about Diana Doherty whom I am am going to hear in New York in February stepping in to perform the Erik Ross concerto in Melbourne. Does anyone know why she had to fill in at the last minute? My friend wrote the concerto and my other friend-who the piece was written for was supposed to give the premiere.
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Author: Jryanaus
Date: 2004-08-04 07:21
Oboeblank,
Diana filled in the Australian premiere for the Erik Ross concerto for Joey Salvaggio (Canadian player) based in Memphis.
Jryanaus
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Author: jamesoboe
Date: 2004-08-04 17:06
Dear Ken
thanks for taking the trouble to find all those web-addresses for Omar Zoboli. He is a great player. The Wolf-Ferrari recordings don't represent his very best playing, but I really love the CD of oboe and organ compositions he's recorded, and feel very tempted to buy it. It's great to see a recording of the wonderful Krebs' Fantasy for oboe and organ in F minor. That combination is always a winner for me, in the same way that cor anglais and harp seems to work very well, also. Omar has made a ground breaking recording of all the Pasculli compositions. I met him years ago, during a masterclass, at the RAM, London. He informed me that the Pasculli family had bequeathed him Pasculli's actual instruments, but I can't remember if he attempted to record with them. He's meant to be a very fine cook if you ever get the chance to dine with him
I don't think his Pasculli recordings are available anymore, but the next best thing is a Pasculli CD by Yeon-Hee Kwak entitled Ricordi Di Napoli. You can listen to 60 second bursts at Amazon.com. In particular, look out for Le Api (The Bee), it's 5 minutes of non-stop broken arpeggios requiring the player to circular-breathe for almost the whole duration of the piece. It brings new meaning to the idea of a tired embouchure! Probably Pasculli's finest composition is his Omaggio a Bellini for cor anglais and harp. There's a very good performance of it on Holliger's Holliger at the Opera CD. But, as yet, I have never heard such an incredible technical display, featuring Pasculli's works, than the two featured on Thomas Indermuhle's Intermezzo Cd, with I Salonisti. The ending of I Vespri Siciliani is played at such a speed that there are few amongst us, out there, who can approach it.
Or does anyone know differently?!?
Regards
James
Post Edited (2004-08-04 18:51)
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Author: jamesoboe
Date: 2004-08-05 23:01
I've just read one of the old threads entitled 'Regarding Alex Klein'. It appears he has developed Musician's Focal Dystonia, a condition which causes messages from the brain to fail to reach the fingers accurately. In consequence, the simplest of scales, or passages, can become impossible to play. Sadly, if the thread is correct, Alex has felt compelled to resign his position as Principal Oboe with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. This is such a great shame for him and the rest of us who are denied his very great talent. I work with a flautist who has this condition, also, but less advanced, and is still able, with some changes in approach, to play and hold on to the job. However, a friend of a friend, who is an oboist, has the condition at such an advanced stage that she was forced to resign her job in Germany. The thread states that Alex is taking it slowly and cutting back on all commitments in order to try and tackle the condition, in the hope of one day regaining his full oboistic powers. I, for one, wish him all the luck in the world, and hope he experiences a full recovery.
There is a CD of his, of Krommer oboe concertos, which showcases him at the height of his powers. This would be a great addition to ones CD collection.
Just in case I have it all wrong, could someone write to confirm, one way or the other, if this information is correct.
Many thanks
James
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Author: Jeremy Polmear
Date: 2004-08-29 22:04
I am an oboist who produces CDs, so I listen to a lot of oboe recordings. Naturally I think all the people who record for me are great, but there are two who stand out, for completely different reasons.
The Dutch player Han de Vries is someone who just always puts me in a good mood. His playing is urbane in the best sense, full of humour and elegance. All's well with the world when he's around! For example, his version of the Mozart concerto has transformed my attitude to the piece.
But if I want an emotional roller-coaster, then it's the US-trained player Emily Pailthorpe I turn to. Her absolute commitment to the 'message' of what she is playing means that you get it, and - another transformation for me - her version of Britten's Temporal Variations showed me qualities in that work I hadn't dreamed of.
There are some free samples of both players on the Oboe Classics web site.
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Author: Nissen
Date: 2004-09-16 09:48
The oboe sound gallery on http://www.oboistgallery.8m.net has grown with a number of examples lately, including sme of the players mentioned in this thread. The US section is still fairly small compared to the European, so if anyone wants to submit any examples of significant / favourite US oboe players, they are most welcome.
Both Realplayer and Mediaplayer can be used to copy tracks from a cd. The copied tracks will be a fraction the size of cdtracks, making it possible to submit them by email.
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Author: jamesoboe
Date: 2004-09-16 18:17
Hello Everyone!
It's been a while since I last posted on this board, but I felt that what Nissen is trying to achieve with the oboe gallery is a very interesting experiment. Basically, we all have probably little contact with oneanother, so when trying to describe what impressions a particular player makes on us; mentioning features of their style, such as tone, vibrato, etc., this fails to clarify itself, as we all come from different parts of the globe, or have different tastes and concepts of what we are describing. By submitting your choices to Nissen we can expand our knowledge of other styles, and see more clearly what another person means when describing various aspects of a player's qualities. I have already submitted several clips to him. This is easily done by copying a track onto Mediaplayer, or Realplayer from your CD, then attaching this track as an attachment with your e-mail. It's best if the track is no more than 3 and a half minutes long. I think it would be great to get into a discussion about what strikes us about styles, and what we find beautiful about various players from around the world.
I, personally, would be very interested to hear clips from Allan Vogel and Richard Woodhams. I have ordered a CD of Herschel oboe concertos played by Woodhams, but it is taking an eternity to arrive. If anyone has clips of these, or other, oboists, that would be great.
What are your thoughts of the clips already on the gallery, and who would you like to see included on it, also?
Best wishes
James
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Author: sömeone
Date: 2004-09-17 13:31
its already so incredible......
but i really wish to listen to leon goosens, evelyn rothwell, sarah francis, and some asian (japanese) players.......that would be very interesting.....
and also more dutch players.....the concertgebouw line.......
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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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Author: wkleung
Date: 2005-07-29 15:03
Does anyone know how may I get the CD "Schumann Recital"- Bourgue & Pommier on the Radio France Label?
Wai Kit Leung
USA
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Author: vboboe
Date: 2005-07-31 01:22
... thanks, everybody, for the long cumulative list of oboe works on these threads, to look out for as personal listening study pieces ... hopefully with a variety of oboists both sides of the pond
re: pivotal, special pieces?
age 5 or thereabouts -- yes! Swan Lake definitely captured my youthful fancy and poor dad was driven to distraction at times to play it again and again ... on those old 78's! Little me just adored theme tune Act II. Definitely an important foundation piece for my love of oboe, but didn't know it was oboe, then. No idea who oboist would've been, London Philharmonic perhaps? in very early 50's? Goosens? Eugene or Leon? Or? Anybody out there have a clue?
age 15 plus - oboe teacher available, student needed, yours truly trying to decide between piano or flute or recorder or madrigal choir, remembered Swan Lake, realised that was oboe, so that's what decided oboe was The Instrument for me
long historical pause -- renewed acquaintance with playing oboe recently and currently there's one inspirational cd, especially tone-wise, Albinoni Adagio (and companion cd Albinoni Oboe Concerti) - Anthony Camden / Julia Girdwood - i'm very pleased with it
Reviewing personal music collection for oboe specific passages after reading these very informative posts (again thank you everybody) -- discover have some Holliger, Zanfini, Reichenberg, McKenna, Drake, but most oboists not identified, have to research orchestra musicians for recording years to perhaps identify ... no time, much too busy practising oboe, or listening for oboe in collection recordings, and Bboarding about oboe ...
Some discoveries from orchestral collections follow, which hopefully will add some other selections to somebody else's listening list -- there's a whole galaxy of oboe music out there
Tchaikovsky - of course, Swan Lake; and Capriccio Italien, Nutcracker
(don't have any of his symphonies in collection at present)
Grieg - Norwegian Dance, Morning, Hall of the Mountain King
Sibelius - Finlandia, Symphony #2, Swan of Tuonela (E-Horn)
Ibert - Escales : modere tres rhyhme
Khachaturian - Spartacus (various themes)
Beethoven - Symphony #3:2 Marche funebre, - Symph. #5, - Symph. #7, - Egmont Overture
Handel - Messiah Overture, and throughout - check out oboe scores in older editions, they must have been marathon athlete oboists in those olden days! - Water Music Suite F - and Fireworks!!!
Debussy - Nuages (E-horn)
Stravinsky - Pulcinellla
JS Bach - Concerto C minor for Ob and Vln (played by Holliger)
- Easter Oratorio - Adagio (ditto)
- Mass B minor - Alto Aria Et in spiritum sanctum
- Magnificat in D - Sop Aria - Quia respexit humilitatem; also Aria - Esurientes implevit bonis
- St Matthew Passion - Ten. Aria - Ich will bei meinem Jesu wachen
Marcello - Ob concerto C minor (only have the Adagio played so expressively by Zanfini)
Vivaldi - Ob Concerto A min, and Ob-Vln Concerto B-flat (largo and amazing allegro)
--- and of the course the afore-mentioned various Albinoni Concertos in Opus 7 (Adagios only) & several full 3-movement concertos in Opus 9 including the double concertos
AND, SWAN LAKE reprise ... quess what, last evening saw the ballet presentation by American Ballet at John F Kennedy performing arts centre aired on KCTS-TV, much enjoyed the spectacle, and of course delighted listening for the oboe specific passages ...
Credits included the violin soloist ... but of course, not the orchestra's oboist !!! who merely played a few important leading solo themes as part of an ordinary night's work ... !!!
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Author: sömeone
Date: 2005-07-31 02:45
gotta love ingo goritski playing the poulenc and saint saen sonatas.
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Author: Halcyon440
Date: 2005-08-01 19:54
The reason I'm playing oboe right now is because I happened to listen to Sibelius's "Swan of Tuonela" on the radio last summer. It's an English Horn piece but it got me very curious about the oboe.
I too enjoy Allan Vogel's "Oboe Obsession". I haven't heard any of the other American greats. I'm just now starting to build a collection. I will definitely look into what's mentioned here. I have listened to Joe Robinson live and he's amazing. I also got to hear Tom Stacy play "Swan of Tuonela" at the NY Phil about two months ago. It was hauntingly beautiful.
My teacher made me a copy of Albrecht Mayer playing the Schumann Romances. All I can say is "Wow"! His sound is so dark and his interpretation is great.
I have a recording of Maurice Bourge (sp?) playing Vaughan Williams's Oboe Concerto. It's one of my favorite things to listen to. I have to check the CD specs for you.
Ahhh, Swan Lake. Yet another oboe melody that I always loved even before I knew what an oboe was.
Hilda, adult amateur
"Nobody is ever patently right about music." - Vigil Thomson
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2005-08-01 20:07
I am particularly taken with the playing of Ray Still, formerly of the Chicago Symphony.
I've only been able to find two CDs which feature his work ("Oboe Concertos" on Virgin and "Ray Still, A Chicago Legend" on the Nimbus label), and would like to know if there are more out there. I'm guessing that much of his work would have been on vinyl (LP) rather than CD.
But in terms of fullness and sweetness of tone, I have found no other oboist comparable.
Susan
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Author: Ian
Date: 2005-08-08 11:28
Jonathan
I'm based in Melbourne and I've been after Diana's 1995 CD for awhile now. No one seems to have it. Not even on the net. If anyone out there knows where I can find a copy I'd be most grateful. I have most of her other CDs and agree she plays with a real energy.
All the best
Ian
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Author: GMac
Date: 2005-08-19 18:11
Hey there! Really interesting thread, and it has definitely given me lots of ideas. I must say that the most pivotal recording BY FAR of my oboe life so far is Alex Klein's recording of the Bach and Telemann solo partitas and fantasias for violin. It is an absolute textbook recording of what oboe should be in my opinion. Completely flawless technique, intense musicality, etc etc....absolutely unbelievable recording. For that matter, any Alex Klein recording is incredible, such as his Strauss Concerto or his Krommer concertos. It's really unfortunate that he's no longer playing.
Other 'pivotal' recordings...this one is not as well-known, but the recording of James Mason with the piano quintet that he plays with, playing the great Mozart, Beethoven and Witt piano quintets. It is unbelievable playing!!
Graham
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Author: vboboe
Date: 2005-08-19 19:50
... ooh ... totally forgot to mention Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade, what an expressively dramatic symphonic suite with significant oboe and bassoon passages in it ... just love the story-telling here upon the stormy seas
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Author: Shelley
Date: 2005-08-21 18:39
She really blew my socks off in the Tomasi "Evocations" recording. A must have...her technique is flawless.
I actually don't care much for Alex Klein's recordings. Yes, sacriledge, I know. However, I heard him in a masterclass and think in person he sounds much more emotive and his tone is so glorious-recordings just don't do him justice.
I enjoy listening to Pierre Pierlot and younger John Mack recordings. I heard Mr. Mack play a recital in 1998 and it just wasn't the same. There was still an element of absolute perfection to his playing though.
After listening to great recordings I never know whether to feel inspired or depressed.
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Author: GMac
Date: 2005-09-19 23:03
If you like Nancy Ambrose King, I would definitely recommend the CD of her playing oboe concertos with the Janacek philharmonic. She does the Mozart, Goosens, Vaughan-Williams and Martinu concertos all on one CD! It's a great oboe resource, particularly her Mozart has some really great playing.
Graham
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2006-02-11 15:23
One of the all time great oboe recordings of Harold Gomberg is his work on the Firebird Ballet under Boulez just around 76 or so...he is truly superb and every dynamic is well attenuated...wonderful stuff.
David Dow
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Author: HautboisJJ
Date: 2006-02-12 18:56
And also listen to Klein with CSO and Boulez conducting the Firebird suite. I watched the performance on DVD and was astonished by how he moved when he plays. Very interesting thing to watch a legend play ei? I recently got my hands on a really good recording, legendary Neil Black playing the Mozart C with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields. There were slight alterations in interpretation and to me it is a really unique performance when compared to others i have before. My all time favourite would be the Concertgebouw with Kondrashin conducting Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade. The wind playing is exquisite and almost perfect, especially the oboe solos. And another recent recording would be Esa Pekka Salonen conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra, Stravinsky's La Sacre Du Printemps, or better known as Rite Of Spring. For those who havent experienced this brutal and colorful piece, go for this recording, the wind playing and the oboe playing in particular will blow you away. There doesn't seem to be any recording in my collection which means more among others, they all take a place in my heart and are all highly recommendable. =)
Other recommendations (YOU MUST LISTEN TO THE OBOE SECTION!) from my collection:
Boulez, Mahler 3rd - Vienna Philharmonic
Solti, Hansel and Gretel by Humperdinck - Vienna Philharmonic
Bernstein, Mahler 6th - Concertgebouw
Karajan, Mahler 5th - Berlin Philharmonic
Bloomstedt, Strauss Alpine Symphony - San Francisco Symphony
Diana Doherty(oboe), works by Koehne - Sydney Symphony
Heinz Holliger (oboe), baroque concertos - I Musica
Schumann works, Alfred Bendel (piano)
Berio Sequenza 7
Allan Vogel (oboe), Schumann romances
Hansjorg Schellenberger (oboe), Bellini, Strauss, Mozart - Berlin Philharmonic
Ray Still in Reiner/Chicago symphony old recordings, particularly Strauss's Symphony Domestica.
Han De Vries (oboe) and Jacques Zoon (flute), pieces for oboe and flute and orchestra, and Vries's other solo recordings. (there is one incredible one published by oboe classics.)
I want to look for Leleux recordings but it is difficult to get them here. Longing for that day! Too many good recordings to suggest, but this are some which i will always be happy to pop into the cd player at any one time.
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The Clarinet Pages
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