AboutGeoffrey Bridge Expertise Professional oboist with many years experience. Former pupil of Leon Goossens. Solo artist for Arts Council of Great Britain. Freelance recitalist/broadcasting/orchestras. Former Head of woodwind teaching in Hampshire, England. Questions on repertoire, playing styles, reeds, cane selection and processing.
Experience Royal College of Music
Licenciate of the Royal Academy of Music
General Teaching Council certificate
Broadcast solo recitals/performed with major symphony orchestras/Music Club recitals
Expert: Geoffrey Bridge Date: 5/3/2008 Subject: the greatest players
Question Alan Vizzutti, in my band teacher's never-to-be-humble-opinion, is one of the
world's greatest trumpet players, and he came to visit our high school band class
today! Who, in your opinion, are the world's leading oboe players?
Answer Dear Jordan
What a question!!!!!!
Commenting on who the world's greatest oboe players are is going to be very subjective and difficult. It is also very hard to split those whose sound we like from those who put music first and the sound second. Hopefully we like everything about their playing but it is always our taste that comes into it in the end. Some folks love the sound of the American school, some love the French school, some love the German school, some love the British school! There are those who won't even bother to hear great playing of a school they profess not to like and so miss out on some wonderful musicians.
Having said all that here are a few of the world's best living oboists, by common consent, in no particular order...
Heinz Holliger - technical wizardry, innovative and huge intellect at the service of the music.
Maurice Bourgue - German style French player, very characterful playing, takes risks!
Albrecht Mayer - just wonderful all round macho player. Full of character with a lovely sound and flawless technique.
Alex Klein - sensitive, extremely musical, technically wonderful and intellectual player in American style. Heard him live last week in UK. Superb.
There are very many fine players of course, to numerous to mention, in all countries of the world. Good players who please the ear but don't say much.
Some great younger players are coming along with nice sound and super techniques but they are marred by an alarming lack of individuality and personality. Very boring to listen to after 10 minutes - forget it!!
Every so often however a little genius does come on the scene - watch out for Ramon Ortega the 19 year old Spanish winner of the recent Munich Oboe Competition. He is a stunning player already. He must be too because this was the first time since 1967 that the Competition gave a First Prize when M. Bourgue won!
Hope that helps point you in the right direction,
Best wishes and thanks for an interesting challenge.........
