That was actually a double play on words because in Italian (… well mock Italian, at least!) “Amore di oboe” would be the oboe’s love, and I really do believe the instrument loves to sing with the sweetest tones and expression.
One person asked me if I get to play the oboe d’amore much as I had mentioned loving it and because the repertoire is so limited. Well, that’s one of the advantages of being an at-home amateur: I can play any repertoire I like on any instrument I like.
Why Not?
Actually, I really like how Albrecht Mayer, and his friend who does the arrangements for his New Seasons Ensemble, use the d’amore in so many more pieces than requested. But, come to think about it, for years I’ve been hearing Bach’s Oboe d’Amore concerto played on the modern English horn… so why not? Why not play more baroque, or impressionist or anything? If the sound really fits the tune, then go with it! That’s something I really like about new ensembles of nowadays, like Quartetto Gelato, who will perform all kinds of repertoire on different instruments. Seriously, if Pasculli and Ravel work on the accordion (and these guys really do!) then why not?
Which instrument?
This leads to a question: if I am to replace my 25 year-old Lorée, will it be an oboe or oboe d’amore? Thing is, after its revoicing last summer, it plays really well… actually its the success that got me considering a new instrument: if Laubin’s finisher can make an old instrument with well-known flaws play so well, then the instruments they make must be incredible (and their legendary reputation well deserved). But do I get a new Laubin or, seeing as my oboe is quite good, a d’amore? And, what if Mönning’s, considering Albrecht Mayer’s recordings, are even better than that, not to mention the possibly more baroque-ish sound of Dupin’s Imperial and its classical bore. Besides, the picture of the Fossati Soloist Model V just keeps popping up in my mind!
The final problem is that, be it a d’amore or any of the makers above, to choose I still have to try them… not so easy considering most European vendors have stopped sending instruments on trial to Canada because of the very complicated customs tax system here… I guess, then, that my only solution is to save up and actually go to Europe, try them out and, hopefully, be able to make up my mind then.
What do you think?
5 comments:
That is exactly what you should do. No amount of suggestions can really replace your own sentiments. So far i have not heard much about either instruments being amazing, and have personally tried the Mayer model oboes, and is not particularly impressed. Go ahead!
Urgh, at those prices (AM, Laubin & Imperial), one would expect them to blow your socks off! Which is your current favourite and why?
Some of the best oboes that i have tried personally includes a Josef Clement model, a Marigaux 2001 and a Buffet Greenline. Sitting together with them in separate occasions were the same brands or models which were a pile of crap! That about says it. Sound and intonation and ease, especially with the Josef in the 2nd octave was a joy. If you like a free oboe the AM is indeed one, but i didn't find anything else particularly impressive (surely having an AM model doesn't make me play immediately like AM!).
Ooooohhhhhh WELL SAID! (About the instrument not making one play like....)
Josef is Japanese, right? Is Josef Clement one of those? I really have to wonder what those ar like... they also seem to have made a new bore and clasical(ish) bell.
Yamaha is Japanese and, I have to admit they play better than I would expect from a mass production company.
Japan also has a society for Viennese oboes.... I'll have to do a blog post on them one of these days!
http://www.yamaha.co.jp/product/wind/instruments/oboes/lineup/h-limited/blue/
speaks for itself!
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