Oboe Reed Styles: Theory and Practice

by David A. Ledet

For nearly 300 years, oboe players have painstakingly evolved the individualized skill of reedmaking. David A. Ledet's unique study of techniques for styling oboe reeds analyzes, in detail, 166 examples of reeds by 80 artists from 14 countries. Each reed is strikingly photographed both in reflected light and in silhouette, clearly illustrating the relative thickness and shaping of the various sections of the reed. Oboists' reflections on their reedmaking techniques and brief biographical sketches introduce the photographs. As background to his survey, Ledet discusses various aspects of tone production, gives a brief history of the instrument, and offers valuable advice about pedagogical techniques. The book also documents musicians such as Robert Bloom, Henri de Busscher, Janet Craxton, Peter Graeme, Harold Gomberg, John Mack, Ronald Roseman, Ray Still, and the celebrated Marcel Tabuteau. Oboe Reed Styles is a historical and technical record, essential for teachers, performers, and students of all ages and abilities.

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1981

Reviews

[David Vanbiesbrouck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essential.

[Jud Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The five stars are less because I appear to have been given the oboe as a sisyphean assignment (by whom I'm still trying to find out) and have referred to this book while pushing the boulder uphill, than they are because I keep it by my side when the boulder inevitably tumbles back down. It is then that this book fills me with false hope, which is better than no hope at all.