Oboe

The name oboe has a respectful ancestry, being derived from the French hautbois (high or loud-wood). Developed during the Middle Ages from the shawms, the oboe has a plangent two-reed sound that carries over long distances and was used by shepherds and huntsmen before being admitted into the orchestra in France in 1657.

During the 18th century, it was reported that the instrument was unduly harsh and 'unlovely to the ear', but such stories could be attributed to amateur handling of the still developing instrument. Boehm, when not improving the flute, made some changes to the oboe but they were not taken up. Instead, the transition to the modern oboe was made by Trieberts, father and son, in the mid-19th century, and by Frenchman Apollon Barret (1808-79). Even now, there is a distinct difference between the rich, thick tone of German oboes and the thinner reedy quality of French oboes.

Although difficult to play, the gentle, soft sound of the oboe ensures that it has solos during orchestral pieces, and even during concertos.

Midi: Vivaldi's Concerto for Oboe in A minor

I used to compose like the devil in those days, chiefly for the hautboy (early oboe), which was my favourite instrument. -- George Fredrick Handel

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