History of Oboe

The origins of the oboe date back to the 1200's, when the shawm was invented.  The shawm, a one-piece instrument made of boxwood, used a double reed made of cane.  Its sound was louder and more shrill than the modern oboe, but its tone was very similar.  Shawms came in various sizes and were the main reed instruments in medieval bands.

The oboe emerged in the French courts around 1650.  Its name came from the French word haubois (pronounced oat-bwa) which means "high wood."  By the 1700's the oboe was an accepted member of the orchestra.  Throughout the century, keys were added so that more notes could be played.  Since 1825, the oboe has remained basically unchanged.

The oboe family has four members.  The oboe is the highest instrument.  Next, pitched in A, is oboe d'amore which Johann Sebastian Bach used in many pieces.  The English horn, pitched even lower in F, has a haunting mellow tone.  Many oboists today also play English horn.  The baritone oboe had a short history, as it was replaced by the bassoon in performing groups.

Today, oboes are played in bands, orchestras, and smaller woodwind ensembles.  Oboes are usually made of rosewood or African blackwood (also known as grenadilla), but can also be made of ebonite, plastic, or even metal.  The oboe is often featured as a solo instrument in bands and orchestras.