oboeinsight

We rehearsed a bit of the Requiem last night. (The Variations went fine, by the way; it’s always so much easier than I’m fearing. Or at least it’s usually that way.) But ahhh, I was reminded of how much I love the Requiem. As if I needed reminding. It’s truly glorious music. Part of me would love to just stop playing and wrap myself in the sound, but playing is mighty nice too.

I was looking at the Symphony site to see who was soloing, and I was rather surprised to see that the male soloist was listed as a bass rather than a baritone, as I thought the part was clearly a baritone part. But, truth be told, I’m rather clueless when it comes to voices and vocal range; I guess a bass can sing a baritone part, eh? But here’s the cool part: while looking up the singer, I came across his blog. So hello Matthew Curran! See you in a few!

Mr. Curran has blogged about his love of the Brahms work. Check out what he has to say. (And check out young Herr Brahms!) I love reading singers’ blogs, as their world, while connected to mine, is different in so many ways — I can’t quite imagine the kind of nomadic life they lead.

And you say you want to hear him sing? Here’s a fun little ditty:

As to the Requiem and the baritone part, well, here’s a rather familiar face (to me in any case) singing the third movement:

I hope hearing that has caused you to want to come hear Mr. Curran singing at one of our performances!

Hmmm. Perhaps I’ll post the entire Requiem later. Listening to this makes me think that might be a good idea. So stay tuned.

Next week I’m playing second oboe. We are playing the Brahms Requiem, which I love, and the composer’s Variations on a Theme by Haydn, which I really don’t care for. (Truth be told, I usually don’t care for Theme & Variations sorts of works.) The biggest issue with the Theme and Variations is the darn theme. Low second oboe. With no rests. It’s a pain. I’m guessing I’ll end up muting it. I just cram a swab in the bell and that works for me.

But I did see a very cute idea for a mute here. I’m not sure, though, if management would want to see the colorful mute on stage when we are all in black. Hmm.

I also hope it isn’t taken too slowly. Below is the start of the work at one tempo … one I wouldn’t mind, although I even like it a notch faster:

Slower (no thanks!):

And the tempo I really prefer … moves right along!:

Tonight is our first rehearsal. So hoping I have a cooperative reed!