A few years later, he began having headaches, mostly after performances. Kjome’s doctors eventually concluded the tremendous pressure needed to send a column of air through a tiny oboe reed was the cause.

“The doctors didn’t tell me to quit, but I knew I’d not be able to play at the same level,” he said.

He played his beloved oboe for the final time at the end of the 1997-98 season and sold his instruments.

Okay, oboe reeds can give me a headache. The making of them, anyway. Same with some musicians I’ve had to work with. Conductors too. But I don’t believe I’ve ever had a headache due to playing. I can’t help but wonder if he needed to lighten up the reeds a bit.

I read it here.