Yesterday our outdoor concert moved indoors, due to torrential rain, and because we were inside and climate-controlled I could not resist playing my new oboe.
Yes, I bought a new oboe. Just a few days ago. A Bulgheroni Opera model, and I was pretty sure I loved it - but playing alone in your room for a week is a great way to talk yourself into some doubts. I was eager to get it out in public, just to make sure that it was a team player.
After all, I could play the oboe in tune with my tuner, but matching with other players is another factor altogether. Did every note have the flexibility I needed? Would I be able to easily change the sound to blend with a flute or a trumpet or to bring a solo line forward? Was it easy to USE, in other words? I knew I liked it in isolation but needed to know how much it would fight me in the orchestra.
And it was great. I know I’ll write more about this instrument as I get to know it better - but right now it seems to be giving me exactly what I wanted. I was looking for an oboe that allowed me to project my ideas more without sounding ugly, and I feel great about the maiden voyage of this new horn. It had a big, beautiful sound, and I had no trouble fitting in with the group.
Also, I continue to enjoy the NISO’s summer parks concerts, and we have one more event tonight in Gary. Details HERE.
Yes, I bought a new oboe. Just a few days ago. A Bulgheroni Opera model, and I was pretty sure I loved it - but playing alone in your room for a week is a great way to talk yourself into some doubts. I was eager to get it out in public, just to make sure that it was a team player.
After all, I could play the oboe in tune with my tuner, but matching with other players is another factor altogether. Did every note have the flexibility I needed? Would I be able to easily change the sound to blend with a flute or a trumpet or to bring a solo line forward? Was it easy to USE, in other words? I knew I liked it in isolation but needed to know how much it would fight me in the orchestra.
And it was great. I know I’ll write more about this instrument as I get to know it better - but right now it seems to be giving me exactly what I wanted. I was looking for an oboe that allowed me to project my ideas more without sounding ugly, and I feel great about the maiden voyage of this new horn. It had a big, beautiful sound, and I had no trouble fitting in with the group.
Also, I continue to enjoy the NISO’s summer parks concerts, and we have one more event tonight in Gary. Details HERE.
congratulations on your new oboe. I have a hazy idea of how it must feel,moving in and out of doubt and certainty-almost like getting a spouse....
ReplyDeleteEnjoy,looking forward to hearing you together
Dimitri
Looking forward to showing off the new baby! Thanks, Dimitri.
ReplyDeleteYay for 'shiny' new instrument! Do you use a cheaper student model when you are playing outside? I have a really nice wooden piccolo and am not even considering taking it outside. I'll probably get a plastic one should I need it.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I just use whatever my oldest (professional, wood) oboe is when I go outdoors. I'm pretty fatalistic about cracks, and I've never had one crack directly as a result of being outside. But I am cautious about the brand new ones...
ReplyDelete