Customer Reviews

The Eloquent Oboe: A History of the Hautboy from 1640-1760 (Oxford Early Music Series)

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Prof Bruce Haynes is a renowned authority on the baroque oboe (or "hautboy"), the two-keyed ancestor of the modern instrument. He has also made some wonderful recordings of the works of Bach and other 18th-c. composers, played on historical oboes. My baroque-oboe teacher recommended this (along with other books by Haynes) as required reading for beginning oboists, and in particular those, like this reviewer, who are learning to play the two-keyed "hautboy". The Eloquent Oboe is full of background information on the instruments, their use by 17th & 18th century composers, and even the musicians who played them. There are also detailed discussions of playing technique, including dozens of helpful tips for beginning players. AND it is well-written, even fun to read, without skimping on the details oboe wonks crave. I give this book 5 stars.