This project remains incomplete and is dead. Any information you email me will not be added to this. People still play the same music all out of proportion to how much repertoire there actually is. So listing out music people won’t play is a waste of my time. I’m leaving the text as it was for archival purposes.
Unaccompanied Oboe Repertoire
Since 1900
Bold = EH [or other secondary inst.]
Aboulker, Isabelle (b. 1938) jeux de notes (1973) Publisher: Chappell
Adler, Samuel (b. 1928) Canto XV (1977) Publisher: Ludwig
Dedicated to Tom Stacy. High E flats and Fs. No rests, tempo of quarter equals 54, and therefore requires a lot of endurance. Continually explores the instrument’s entire register. Ends on low B pianissimo and diminuendos to nothing.
Adler, Samuel (b. 1928) Oboration (1965) Publisher: Theodore Presser Timing: 3′ 30″
Oboration was originally written as one of four studies for a multi-woodwind player. It can be performed as written individually or with its companion studies. Adler also mentions that it can be played by both oboe and english horn simultaneously creating parallel fifths. When and how much the english horn plays is up to the performer. Both parts can be played by as many instruments as desired. Good for advanced high school or young college student.
Amann, Michael (b. 1964) Pan (1999) Publisher: Doblinger
Andriessen, Jurriaan (1925-1996) Balocco (1960) Publisher: Donemus
Dedicated to Gé van Koten. Seven movements all attacca (Lento, Allegretto, Lento, Vivo, Andante con moto, Molto lento, Allegro moderato deciso), but they seem good for independent performance. Good for performance-major college student.
Andriessen, Louis (b. 1939) A flower song II (1964) Publisher: Boosey
Andriessen, Louis (b. 1939) To Pauline O (1995) Publisher: Boosey Timing: 8 minutes
Written for Pauline Oostenrijk, a dutch oboist won 1991 Netherlands Music Prize, 1991 Gillet Competition. Eight minutes and no rests. Technically demanding. Every 12 measures is a fermata that entones Lauda Sion, a medieval sequence used in the Catholic liturgy. An impressive technical feat for the brave performer. Circular breathing while tonguing seems implied.
Antoniou, Theodore (b. 1935) Five Likes (1969) Publisher: Barenreiter
Apostel, Hans Eric (1901-1972) Sonatine (1964) Publisher: Universal
Archer, Violet (1913-2000) Four Moods (1995) Publisher: Canadian Music Centre
Arma, Paul (1905-1987) Divertimento No. 7 [transcription of Six Pieces for Solo Voice] Publisher: Presser Listed in New Music and the Oboist II
Arma, Paul (1905-1987) Soliloque Publisher: Billaudot
Arma, Paul (1905-1987) Trois Regards Publisher: Choudens
Arnold, Malcolm (1921-2006) Fantasy (1966) Publisher: Faber
Asia, Daniel (b. 1953) The Alex Set (1995) Publisher: Merion Timing: 13 minutes
In five movements (Alex I, Interlude I, Alex II, Interlude II, Alex III), the first movement, Alex I, was written while Asia was an undergraduate in the 1971. Alex Klein asked for an oboe work in the early 90s, mentioning the possibility of adding to Alex. Haunting and lovely very playable. Advanced college student. Alex I is four minutes in duration and includes three downward quartet-tone pitch bends: two on A 4 and one on B flat 4. Feathered beam notation is used to show gradual note-length changes in a particular amount of beats. There is a recording of Alex Klein playing Alex I on Asia’s website.
All movements require great stamina and technical finesse. Fun to practice.
Aston, Peter (b. 1938) Three Pieces (1968) Publisher: Novello
Ballif, Claude (1924-2004) Solfeggietto No. 4 (1968) Publisher: Transatlantiques
Barkauskas, Vytautas (b. 1931) Monolog (1970) Publisher: Peters
Bennett, Richard Rodney (b. 1936) Arabesque (1992) Publisher: Novello
Bennett, Richard Rodney (b. 1936) Variations (1953)
Bentzon, Jørgen (1897-1951) Étude Rhapsodique (1925) Publisher: Chester
Berge, Sigurd (1929-2002) Obo Solo (1966) Publisher: Norsk Musikforlag A/S
Berio, Luciano (1925-2003) Sequenza VII (1969) Publisher: Universal; Available from Presser
The standard extended technique work for the oboe. More later.
Berkeley, Michael (b. 1948) Snake [also for Ob] (1990) Publisher: Oxford
Berkeley, Michael (b. 1948) Three Moods (1979) Publisher: Oxford
Blackford, Richard (b. 1954) Posthumus Leonatus Publisher: Oxford Timing: 7 minutes
Requires composer permission for performance.
Bialosky, Marshall Thirteen Aphorisms and a Summary Publisher: Sanjo Music (1982)
As the title implies, there are thirteen short musical ideas of varying characters. The pauses between the movements are timed (2 seconds or 3 seconds usually). No. 3 has a multiphonic (fingering given), No. 4 contains quasi fluttertonguing, No. 11 has pitch bends down and back. The summary (called Collage Finale) has humming while playing (if possible, if not add a singer singing the pitch). The finale juxtaposes returns to the previous aphorisms.
Börtz, Daniel (b. 1943) Kithairon (1989-91) Publisher: Gehrmans
Brandon, Jenni (b. 1977) In the City at Night (2008) Publisher: Self-published Timing: 6 minutes
Britten, Benjamin (1913-1976) Six Metamorphoses after Ovid (1951) Publisher: Boosey
Buel, Charles (1943-1994) Three Melancholy Airs (1978) Unpublished (may be available from his musical executor)
In three movements (Lento, Con ira e furia, Allegro risoluto)
Butler, Martin (b. 1960) Chaconne (1990) Publisher: Oxford
Caldini, Fulvio (b. 1959) Abenstück [d’amore] (1984-87) Publisher: Berben
Carlson, Rosalind (b. 1937) Circle of Memories (2002) [or EH] Publisher: Phylloscopus
Carter, Elliot (b. 1908) A 6 Letter Letter (1996) Publisher: Boosey
Carter, Elliot Inner Song (1992) Publisher: Boosey
Castanié, Gerard Et in Arcadia Ego, Vol 1 Publisher: United Music Publishers
Castiglioni, Niccolò (1932-1996) Alef (1965) Publisher: Schott Recordings: Heinz Holliger (Philips 6500-202) paired with Berio, Omar Zoboli (Divox)
Alef was written for Heinz Holliger and includes chance elements. There are six pages each labeled with various letters and numbers. Castiglioni gives six order possibilites based on these labels. Similar to the Berio Sequenza in style and use of extended techniques, such as harmonics and trills with harmonics. Cut-out score. Includes fast tonguing and trilling.
Chandler, Mary (1911-1996) Summer’s Lease (1981) Publisher: Phylloscopus
Chávez, Carlos (1899-1978) Upingos (1957) Publisher: Carlanita Timing: 4 minutes
Short ternary form (ABA) work. The melodies have the feeling of Mexican folk melodies (if not actually folk melodies). The A section is in 3/8, while the B is in 2/4 and in A Phrygian. The piece could be used as a simple work for teaching purposes.
Childs, Barney (1926-2000) Five Little Soundpieces (1959) Publisher: Tritone
Childs, Barney (1926-2000) Four Involutions (1955) Publisher: Tritone; Available from Presser
Childs, Barney (1926-2000) Sonata (1958) Listed in University of Redlands Childs Collection
Colbert, Brendan (b. 1956) Clamour (2003) Publisher: Australian Music Centre Timing: 7 minutes
Collaros, Pandel (b. 1954) Three Oboe Pieces (1992) Publisher: Bocal
Cooman, Carson (b. 1982) Dream Etudes, Book IV (2002) Publisher: Lauren Keiser
In three movements (Remembering, Bounding, Silencing)
Cooman, Carson (b. 1982) Ideas, Book II (1999) Publisher: Lauren Keiser
In five movements (Skewered Justice, Spacings and Echoes, Scotch-Poppers, Barcarolle, Homage to Robert Ward (moto perpetuo))
Cooman, Carson (b. 1982) Proclamation (2004) Publisher: Musik Fabrik
Crawford (Seeger), Ruth (1901-1953)
Diaphonic Suite [No. 1] (1930) Publisher: Merion; Available from Presser
Cronin, Stephen (b. 1960) Five Pieces (1988) Publisher: Australian Music Centre
Cronin, Stephen (b. 1960) Idyll (2003) Publisher: Self-published
Czaplowski, Philip (b. 1958) Interpolation (2002) Publisher: Self-published Free PDF!
Czaplowski, Philip (b. 1958) Monologue (1997) Publisher: Self-published Free PDF!
Davies, Peter Maxwell (b. 1934) First Grace of Light (1991) Publisher: Boosey
Denisov, Edison (1929-1996) Solo (1971) Publisher: Unknown (Available from Boosey)
Dinescu, Violeta (b. 1953) Cime Lointaine (1990) Publisher: Bote & Bock
Dittrich, Paul-Heinz (b. 1930) Singbarer Rest III (1989) Publisher: Deutscher Verlag
Doráti, Antal (1906-1988) Cinq Pièces (1980) Publisher: Boosey Timing: 12 minutes 20 seconds
Premiered by Heinz Holliger, and has been used in the Gillet competition. Very technical, and requires an accomplished conservatory oboist or professional. Piece titles: La cigale et la fourmie, Lettre d’amour, Fugue à trois voix, Berceuse, Légerdemain.
Douglas, Paul M. (b. 1936) Senia (1977) Publisher: Nova
Downey, John Soliloquy Publisher: Theodore Presser
Durey, Louis (1888-1979) 3 Pieces breves (1974) Publisher: Billaudot
Ebenhöh, Horst (b. 1930) Sonatine (1981) Publisher: Doblinger
In four movements (Vivo, Adagio, Allegro molto, Molto vivace)
Edwards, Ross (b. 1943) Two Pieces (1998) Publisher: Ricordi London
Piece titles: Yanada, Ulpirra.
Ekström, Lars (b. 1956) Den accelererande isbiten (1988) Publisher: Swedish Music Information Centre
Exton, John Three Pieces (1972) Publisher: Chester
Ficarelli, Mario (b. 1935) Quatro Esboços (1993) Publisher: Brazilian Music Enterprises
Ficarelli is a native of Sao Paulo.
Fine, Vivian (1913-2000) Second Solo for Oboe (1947) Publisher: Self-published
Fine, Vivian (1913-2000) Solo for Oboe (1929) Publisher: Self-published
Fongaard, Bjørn (1919-1980) Sonata (1968) Publisher: MIC Norway
Ford, Andrew (b. 1957) Asides on the Oboe (2002) Publisher: Australian Music Centre
Fricker, Peter Racine (1920-1990) Refrains (1968) Publisher: Oxford
Genzmer, Harald (1907-2007) 7 Studies (Capriccios) Publisher: Schott
Globokar, Vinko (b. 1934) Atemstudie (1972) Publisher: Peters
Grant, Robin (b. 1955) When Sirens Sing Publisher: Emerson Edition; Available from Presser
Harbison, John (b. 1938) Amazing Grace (1972) Publisher: Associated Music Publishers
Harlap, Aharon (b. 1941) The Oboe’s Lament Publisher: Israeli Music Publications
Hartley, Walter (b. 1927) Three Pieces (1966) Publisher: Accura Music
Hartzell, Eugene (1932-2000) Elegy (Monologue 12) (1979) Publisher: Doblinger
Hartzell, Eugene (1932-2000) Monologue 2: Five Sketches for Oboe Solo (1964) Publisher: Doblinger Timing: approx. 12 minutes
Five interesting contrasting atonal movements. Medium difficulty with a good amount of octave displacement, minor seconds, and tritones.
Haselbach, Josef (1936-2002) Abendlied (1983) Publisher: Hug Musikverlage
Haug, Halvor (b. 1952) Fantasia (1977) Publisher: MIC Norway
Holland, Dulcie (1913-2000) Three Signatures (1992) Publisher: Australian Music Centre
Holliger, Heinz (b. 1939) Sonata (1956-57/99)
Publisher: Schott
Holliger, Heinz (b. 1939) Studie über Mehrklänge (1971) Publisher: Breitkopf
Holliger, Heinz (b. 1939) Studie II (1981) Publisher: Schott
Huber, Nicholaus A. (b. 1939) Vor und zurück (1981) Publisher: Breitkopf
Hübler, Klaus K. (b. 1956) Grave e sfrenato (1985) Publisher: Breitkopf
Hummel, Bertold (1925-2002) Eight Bagatelles (1999) [or EH] Publisher: Vogt & Fritz
Hummel, Bertold (1925-2002) Suite (1964) Publisher: Simrock
In five movements (Fanfare, Echo, Mobile, Monologue, Fountain)
Ichiyanagi, Toshi (b. 1933) Cloud Figures (1984) Publisher: Schott Timing: 8 1/2 minutes
Explores extreme range of the instrument regularly, i. e. Bb3 to A6. Slow tempo (eighth 69-72). Requires extreme endurance and mental stamina. A few slides between half-step pitches. No bar lines.
Jackman, Andrew Circus Publisher: Emerson Edition
Jacob, Gordon (1895-1984) Seven Bagatelles (1969) Publisher: Oxford Timing: 7 1/2 minutes
Interesting, but challenging to make sound cohesive. Good for high school player. Movement titles: March, Elegy, Waltz, Slow Air, Limerick, Chinese Tune, Galop.
Johansen, Bertil Palmar (b. 1954) Out of the Wood [d’amore] (1984-85) Publisher: MIC Norway
Johnsen, Hallvard (1916-2003) Pastorale (1986/89) Publisher: MIC Norway
Josephs, Wilfred (1927-1997) Solo Oboe Piece (1973) Publisher: Novello
Josephs, Wilfred (1927-1997) Three Waltzes and a Foxtrot Publisher: Emerson Edition
Kleiberg, Ståle (b. 1958) Lamento (1990) Publisher: MIC Norway
Kleiberg, Ståle (b. 1958) Solosonate [or d’amore] (1984) Publisher: MIC Norway
Kilstofte, Mark (b. 1958) Inner Voices Publisher: Newmatic Timing: 8 minutes 30 seconds
Commissioned by Petrea Warneck and eleven other oboists in memory of John Mack. Premiered in 2007 at IDRS Conference in Ithaca, NY.
Koechlin, Charles (1867-1950) Monodie No. 11 (1947-48) Publisher: Max Eschig
Koechlin, Charles (1867-1950) Suite (1942) [d’amore] Publisher: Max Eschig
Kotoński, Włodzimierz (b. 1925) Monochromia (1964) Publisher: PWM
Krol, Bernhard (b. 1920) Rosarium: 3 Preludes Publisher: Bote & Bock
Kryf, Ton de Echoi Publisher: Bote & Bock
Kupferman, Meyer (1926-2003) Sensations (1968) Publisher: Soundspells
Kvam, Oddvar S. (b. 1927) Monofoni (1977) Publisher: MIC Norway
Lacerda, Osvaldo (b. 1927) Improviso (1974/80) Publisher: Ponteio
Laughlin, James Dance… She Waits Publisher: Tetra/Continuo
LeFanu, Nicola (b. 1947) Soliloquy (1965) Publisher: Novello
Leguay, Jean-Pierre (b. 1939) Flamme (1973) Publisher: Universal
Lemeland, Aubert (b. 1932) Scancions (1969) Publisher: Billaudot
Lerstad, Terje Bjørn Suite[double on EH, d’amore, and heckelphone] (1980) Publisher: MIC Norway
Ludewig, Wolfgang (b. 1926) Soni [or EH] (1974) Publisher: Bote & Bock
Lunde, Ivar Jr. Akrostikon Number One, Op. 73 (1980) Publisher: Shawnee Press Timing: 7 minutes
Lunde is a Norwegian oboist and composer. This work was composed during the summer of 1980 while the composer was in Wisconsin. Premiered in the fall of 1982 in Oslo, Norway at the Festival of Nordic Music. Akrostikon is Norwegian for acrostic. Like an acrostic, each new section, marked by dotted bar line, begins with the next pitch in the 12-tone row used as the basis for the piece. Notes values are a guide rather than to be strictly played. A good piece to explore extended techniques: multiphonics, harmonics, pitch bending, tremolos (shakes). A logical and interesting work with cool colors and purposeful sounding modern techniques.
Lunde, Ivar Jr. Three Short Pieces (1970) Publisher: Skyline
Lüttmann, Reinhard Médiation I: Fantasie sur un thème de plain-chant choralbearbeitung (1973) Publisher: United Music Publishers Timing: 6 minutes
Starts with chant. Haunting, with beautiful colors. Uses harmonics, but does not give fingerings. I can give you the fingerings.
Maderna, Bruno (1920-1973) Solo [double on d’amore, EH, and musette] (1971) Publisher: United Music Publishers
Madsen, Trygve (b. 1940) De Fire Riker [The Four Kingdoms] (1982-83) Publisher: Mussik-Husets
Mannino, Franco (1924-2005) Adagio (1990) Publisher: Curci
Mannino, Franco (1924-2005) Tre pezzi (1990) Publisher: Curci
Mannino, Franco (1924-2005) Turbamento (1985) Publisher: Edipan
Martin, Robert Vega (1982) Publisher: Merion; Available from Theodore Presser
Martin, Ruth Lee (b. 1957) Corrnach for the birds (1999) Publisher: Australian Music Centre
Mersson, Boris (b. 1921) Conjugo metamorfosis [unspecified wind instrument] (1969) Publisher: Kunzelmann
Mihalovici, Marcel (1898-1985) Mélopée (1973) Publisher: United Music Publishers
Mills, Richard (b. 1949) Pastoral (1993) Publisher: Australian Music Centre
Mills, Richard (b. 1949) Six preludes (1991) Publisher: Australian Music Centre
Nicholson, Tina (b. 1958) Moments from Women (1999) Publisher: Jeanné
Northcott, Bayan (b. 1940) Sonata (1978) Publisher: Stainer & Bell
Oehring, Helmut (b. 1961) Philipp (1997/01) [transcribed from trombone work by composer in 2003] Publisher: Bote & Bock
Ohana, Maurice (1913-1992) Sarc (1972) Publisher: Billaudot
Olsen, Carl Gustave Sparre (1903-1984) Pastorale (1978) Publisher: Lyche
Patterson, Paul (b. 1947) Monologue (1968) Publisher: Weinberger
Penberthy, James (1917-1999) Three pieces (1983) Publisher: Australian Music Centre
Persichetti, Vincent (1915-1987) Parable III (1968) Publisher: Elkan-Vogel; Available from Theodore Presser
Persichetti, Vincent (1915-1987) Publisher: Elkan-Vogel; Available from Theodore Presser
Persichetti, Vincent (1915-1987) Serenade No. 14 Publisher: Elkan-Vogel; Available from Presser
Peterson, Geoffrey Sonata Publisher: Theodore Presser
Petit, Pierre (1922-2000) Sunny Side (1982)
Pinkham, Daniel (1923-2006) Reeds Publisher: Peters
Powers, Anthony (b. 1953) In two minds (1991) Publisher: Oxford
Presser, William Eight Brevities Publisher: Tritone/Tentuo; Available from Theodore Presser
Racol, Maurice Les Plaintes d’Ariadne Publisher: United Music Publishers
Rainier, Priaulx (1903-1986) Pastoral Triptych (1958-59) Publisher: Schott
Rands, Bernard (b. 1934) Memo 8 (2000) Publisher: Schott
Reade, Paul (1943-1997) Aspects of a landscape (1981) Publisher: Nova Music
Renwick, William Sonata Antiqua (1986) Publisher: Canadian Computer Printing
Richardson Alan (1904-1978) Three Pieces Publisher: Nova Music
Richer, Jeannine (b. 1924) Obsession Publisher: Max Eschig
Richer, Jeannine (b. 1924) Piège V Publisher: Durand
Rivier, Jean (1896-1987) Trois Instantanés (1973) Publisher: Salabert
Rochberg, George Three Cadenzas to Mozart Oboe Concerto K. 314 Publisher: Theodore Presser
Roseman, Ronald (1933-2000) Partita (1997) Publisher: International Opus
Rózsa, Miklós (1907-1995) Sonata (1987) Publisher: Broude Brothers
Rudin, Rolf (b. 1961) Rezitativ un Arie (1988) Publisher: Bote & Bock
Rushby-Smith, John Monologue (1970) [or d’amore] Publisher: Simrock
Saunders, Neil Incantations (1982) Publisher: Nova Music
Schenker, Friedrich (b. 1942) Monolog (1968) Publisher: Breitkopf
Schibler, Armin (1920-1986) Dithyrambus (1971) Publisher: Kunzelmann
Schlee, Thomas Daniel (b. 1957) Aulodie et Jubilation (1993-94) Publisher: Lemoine
Schmidinger, Helmut (b. 1969) Vier gefiederte Worte des Odysseus [Four Winged Words of Ulysses] (1999) Publisher: Doblinger
Schmidt, Christfried (b. 1932) Aulodie (1975) Publisher: Deutscher Verlag
Segerstam, Leif (b. 1944) Episode No. 19 (1985)
Sibbing, Robert Four Pieces Publisher: Tritone/Tenuto; Available from Presser
Silverman, Faye-Ellen (b. 1947) Oboe-sthenics (1980) Publisher: Seesaw Music
Silvestrini, Gilles (b. 1961) Horae Volubiles Publisher: Delatour
Silvestrini, Gilles (b. 1961) Six Études (1986-97) Publishers: Édition du Hautbois; Rigoutat
Dedicated to Pierre Pierlot and Jacques Tys. Popular etudes for concert performances. All the etudes are musical interpretations of famous paintings. Technically difficult and tonally oriented. Show pieces that can be played together, in groups, or singally.
Silvestrini, Gilles (b. 1961) Paysage avec Pyrame et Thisbe Publisher: Rigoutat
Simpson, Andrew Earle (b. 1967) Exhortation II (1996) Publisher: Jeanné
Singer, Lawrence Memories
Sitsky, Larry (b. 1934) Sayat-nova (1984) Publisher: Seesaw Music
Sommerfeldt, Øistein (1919-1994) Divertimento (1974) Publisher: Norsk Musikforlag
Sommerfeldt, Øistein (1919-1994) Liten pastorale-suite (1975) Publisher: MIC Norway
Stockhausen, Karlheinz (1928-2007) In Freundschaft (1977) Publisher: Stockhausen-Verlag
Written for Suzanne Stephens for her birthday, July 28, 1977. Translations of the German words in the score is included in the back. Stockhausen says that this work should be played from memory. Difficult, but playable. Includes many trills (including on high notes, e. g. E) and fluttertongue. Stockhausen also asks that the player move the instrument up and down in relation to the size of intervals played. More approachable than the Berio.
Strilko, Anthony (b. 1931) Music for Oboe Alone (pub. 1967) Publisher: Theodore Presser Timing: 10 minutes
Dedicated to Bert Lucarelli. 7 short contrasting movements. Useful for high-school player exploring twentieth-century music without special effects. The last movement remembers the first.
Swain, Freda (1902-1985) Three Whimsies [are these two pieces the same?] Publisher: Bourne
Swain, Freda (1902-1985) Fantasy Suite Publisher: Bourne
Szalonek, Witold (1927-2001) Quattro Monologhi Publisher: PWM (1985)
Szalonek, Witold (1927-2001) Suita Zakopiańska (1996) Publisher: PWM
Tann, Hilary (b. 1947) Like Lightnings (2004) Publisher: Oxford
Thorsen, Frode Fantasia (1982) Mentioned in A Catalogue of Norwegian Oboe Literature
Timaru, Valentin (b. 1940) Sonata (1967)
Tisné, Antoine (1932-1998) Dinos (1970) Publisher: United Music Publishers
Tomasi, Henri (1901-1971) Évocations (1969) [or EH] Publisher: Leduc; Available from Presser
Tomasi, Henri (1901-1971) Trois Études de concert (1964) Publisher: Eschig
Treibmann, Karl Ottomar (b. 1936) Blickpunkte I (1982)
Treibmann, Karl Ottomar (b. 1936) Sonata (1974) Publisher: Deutscher Verlag
Voorn, Joop (b. 1932) Drie Stukken (1970) Publisher: Donemus
Waldeier, Erik Tema & Variationer (1981)
Wellesz, Egon (1885-1974) Suite (1956)
Woolrich, John (b. 1954) Three Capriccios from the Book of Disquiet (2001) Publisher: Faber Music
Wyttenbach, Jürg (b. 1935) Sonata (1962/72) Publisher: Breitkopf
Yun, Isang (1917-1995) Piri (1971) Publisher: Bote & Bock
Zaffini, Clément 5 Séquences Publisher: Billaudot
Zender, Hans (b. 1936) Tre pezzi (1963) Publisher: Bote & Bock