STRAUSS, Richard
Concerto for oboe and orchestra AV 144 (reduction for oboe and piano)
I. Allegro moderato
Melinda Maxwell, guest professor
Blanca Sans Ballart, student
Juan Manuel García-Cano, piano accompaniment (oboe student)
Professor Maxwell begins her intervention by commenting on general information about the work: composed in 1945-46, at the end of his life and in the context of the Second World War. It should be considered as a chamber work: it is a Concerto for oboe and small orchestra. Regarding the pulse, she recommends thinking of it as 2, not 4. The theme of the beginning is a great phrase, for which she recommends playing sparingly in order to reach the end. Next, the professor makes comments on a certain dynamic indication, breathing and articulations.
Returning from the beginning, they discuss issues of rhythm (not rushing the sixteenth notes), phrasing and direction of the melodies, agogics (almost poco rubato, taking more time sometimes), meter and pulse (comparison with jazz), or use of vibrato, among others. Regarding the dynamics according to the expression and character, the professor uses the following adjectives for certain moments: soft, gentle, contemplative, meditative, contained and elegant. Finally, they discuss tuning issues and she recommends imagining the correct tuning before playing it to facilitate its emission.
Language: English
