The oboe is naturally associated with music of a pastoral character. It is pre-eminently a melody instrument, and though its voice comes forth shrinkingly, its uniqueness of tone makes it easily heard. It is a most lovable instrument. “Candor, artless grace, soft joy, or the grief of a fragile being suits the oboe’s accents,” says Berlioz.

Shrinkingly?!

I read it here.