Principles of baroque oboe learning

When beginning to play the baroque oboe, the modern oboist is presented with a confusing mix of new and familiar elements. In this brief manual, I would like to clear up some of uncertainties that may arise when an experienced instrumentalist (normally someone from the world of the modern oboe) begins to play the baroque oboe, the historical oboe, the hautboy.

Over time, it is the Saxon model of the baroque oboe which has become the most widespread standard. This standardization includes tuning, temperament, fingering, materials, the way of making reeds (as far as standardization allows), etc. Despite our best efforts, when we play the baroque oboe, it doesn 19t sound as it would have sounded in the 18th century; we do not have the same musical ear or taste, and the conditions of modern music-making are different.

This manual will help you to answer the first questions that arise as soon as you receive your baroque oboe copy. English translation by Sarah Bishop. Editorial Fusagrafia.