When well played the oboe is unsurpassed for poignancy. Its intense and impassioned tone is ideal for use in simple melody and for the enrichment of other timbres by doubling. The oboist, more than any other player, needs time to breathe and prepare for entrances. Staccato articulation is more definite and interesting than on the flute, but must not be too rapid or lengthy. All simple legato passages sound well but should usually be kept within middle register, since the higher and lower registers are extremely intense and difficult to play. Rapidly moving accompaniment patterns do not seem suited to the character of the oboe, and skips from register to register should be limited to a few well prepared leaps. Use the oboe mostly for melodic line.
For illustration of typical oboe writing hear the slow movement of Symphony in C by Bizet or The Winter's Past by Barlow. A rarity is the use of bass oboe in Brigg Fair by Delius.
Playable Books