Oboe ensembles in the 17th and 18th centuries – the origin, development and repertoire

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Oboe ensembles in the 17th and 18th centuries – the origin, development and repertoire

Journal Title: Notes Muzyczny - Year 2014, Vol 2, Issue 2

Abstract

The article describes the history of oboe ensembles, which can be perceived as a relatively unknown link between the traditions of Renaissance wind ensembles and the Harmoniemusik type ensembles. It is oboe ensembles that we should search for the origins of Europe’s military wind ensembles in. Today the sound of a baroque oboe is associated with particularly expressive and lyrical solo parts in Bach’s cantatas. Playing unisono with the violin, oboe is responsible for the tone of tutti characteristic for a baroque orchestra. There are also virtuoso concertos and sonatas. However, we never associate oboe with the army in any way. This role, forgotten today, as well as other functions clarinet had in the 18th century, has been taken over by clarinet throughout history. The article presents the origin, way of functioning and development of oboe ensembles and the music they performed. The period described here almost fully coincides with the Baroque era – i.e., from the second half of the 17th century, when the ensembles were being created, until the middle of the 18th century, when clarinets began to replace oboes. In The origin the author presents the sources and old traditions of reed wind ensembles. The development of oboe ensembles gives a general description of the ensembles, their line-ups and the functions they performed in the army, on royal and prince courts, manor houses, as well as in cities. The Repertoire describes the music performed by oboe ensembles depending on the place they were used. Jan Hutek listed only a few specific compositions here. The chapter does not include a list of all known pieces for these ensembles. This task was fulfilled by Bruce Haynes, the author of the fundamental publication entitled Music for oboe, 1650–1800: a bibliography. There are also some historical illustrations of baroque oboe ensembles. Oboists playing contemporary instruments do not perform works originally written for this line-up type or they perform them very rarely. The article was written as its author thinks that for oboists, especially the ones performing early music, learning about this part of history of their instrument is necessary.<br/><br/>

Authors and Affiliations

Jan Hutek

Keywords

EP ID EP518015
DOI -
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