What is the difference between American and European Oboe playing?
The oboe is a woodwind instrument that is widely used in orchestras and chamber music ensembles around the world. Despite its widespread popularity, there are notable differences in the way that the oboe is played and the way that oboe reeds are made between American and European styles. The American Style is seen most in North America and some places in Colombia and East Asia, but most of the world including South America, Most of Asia, and most of Africa will favor the European style of reeds and oboe playing. This is due to the dissemination of each school of playing and the history of major conservatories and where they recruited their teachers. Places like Mexico and Guatemala have a very mixed offering of styles and even some hybridization.
American Vs. European style of oboe playing
Most players around the world play on French Conservatory style instruments made by Lorree and Marigaux in Paris, or Howarth in the UK, Yamaha and Josef in Japan, or Laubin, Bulgheroni, Honig and many others. To see why the world has embraced the French Conservatory’s oboe please read the history of the oboe article I wrote by clicking here.
One of the most significant differences between American and European oboe playing styles is the way that the instrument is held. In European oboe playing, the oboe is typically held more horizontally. This angle shares the pressure of the lips more evenly and can lead to stronger projection and vibrancy. In contrast, American oboe players often hold the instrument more vertically. This allows the player to use their top and bottom lips redistributive which can produce a more colorfully dynamic and flexible sound.
Pedagogy in America vs. Europe
American oboe tradition springs from the Curtis Institute with the first teacher being Macel Tabetau, who was of course European. Oboe playing and reed making was much much more varied in the early 20th century and even in the USA there were many different approaches to playing the oboe depending on where in Europe the resident oboist was. However, unlike his peers, Tabeteau really valued imparting his wisdom and instilled in his students the importance of teaching their skills and craft to the next generation. His most influential students in propagating this style of playing and reed making were John Delancie, John Mack, Robert Bloom, the Gomberg brothers, Dan Stolper and Laila Storch who taught at major conservatories who’s students like Elaine Douvas and Martin Schuring and Richard Killmer teach this “American Style” today.
The European Style has some variation across the continent, but what most people consider the main stream of european oboe playing was taught by Heinz Holliger, David Walters, Maurice Bourgue and Hansjörg Schellenberger. Their Students like Olivier Stankiewets, and Diana Doarty, and Viola Wilmsen Orlin Petrov have brought the oboe around the world into major orchestras and new lands.
Differences in American and European Oboe Reeds
Another key difference between American and European oboe playing styles is the way that the reed is made. When it comes to oboe reed making, there are notable differences between American and European cane selection. European oboe reeds tend to be made from thicker, softer cane. American oboe reeds, on the other hand, are often made from thinner, harder cane. Americans also tend to favor shorter, more narrow shapes and generally need to make reeds more often than their European counterparts.
Another key difference between American and European oboe playing styles is the way that the reed is made. When it comes to oboe reed making, there are notable differences between American and European cane selection. European oboe reeds tend to be made from thicker, softer cane. American oboe reeds, on the other hand, are often made from thinner, harder cane. Americans also tend to favor shorter, more narrow shapes and generally need to make reeds more often than their European counterparts.
In addition to these differences, there are also some notable similarities between American and European oboe playing styles. Both styles rely on a strong foundation in technique and musicianship, and both require a deep understanding of the instrument and its capabilities. Additionally, both styles place a strong emphasis on tone production and the use of vibrato to add expression and depth to the music.
Both Require Great Discipline Practice and Artistry
While there are significant differences between American and European oboe playing styles and oboe reed making, there are also many similarities. Both styles require a strong foundation in technique and musicianship, and both place a strong emphasis on tone production and the use of vibrato to add expression to the music. Ultimately, the choice between American and European styles comes down to personal preference and the luck of geography and traditions.
