“One of the World’s Leading Oboe Players” …?

03. October 2009 · 5 comments · Categories: Links, Oboe

He’s 22. I’m not really certain if a 22 year old can already be a leading oboe player, even if he’s the best ever.

But in any case, I’d love to hear him! Alas, I can’t locate any videos of him, nor do I see recordings anywhere.

Update
I didn’t mean to sound snarky above. Really. And I would love to hear this guy. I’m just not sure one can be leading when so young. But you can prove me wrong. I’m okay with that! 🙂

And I still really want to hear this guy!

ONE OF the world’s leading oboe players is being flown over from Germany to perform a special concert in Ryde next Friday.

Matthieu Petitjean, this year’s winner of the prestigious Barbirolli International Oboe Competition, is to perform with The Sinfonietta at All Saints’ Church.

The competition began on the Island in 1991 and is now held bi-annually on the Isle of Man.

Because of the competition’s link with the Island, the 22 year old has been invited to perform a concert on it. Promoters, Island Concerts, is flying the artist from Hannover to play.

Matthieu will play Bach’s Oboe Concerto In F and Marcello’s Oboe Concerto.

RTWT

Numbers

03. October 2009 · Comments Off on Numbers · Categories: Huh?, Links

Instead, Mr. Seeback chose to focus on what he perceived not to be happening. Rather than commenting on the caliber of the performance or the virtuosity of the performers, he focused on numbers. Mr. Seeback’s review asked, “Where did all those woodwind and brass players from the fanfare go?” and noted that “many of them were not seen again for the rest of the evening.” There were 70 musicians on stage for the fanfare. Of those 70, only three (trumpet, tuba and English horn) had singular appearances on the program and were paid for three services (one rehearsal and two performances) compared to six services (four rehearsals and two performances) paid to all other musicians. While we seek to balance programs based on instrumentation needs, it’s perfectly normal to have a few players who are not required for every work performed on a specific evening.

… if this really was in the review, it’s pretty ridiculous!

I read the above in a letter to the editor. So far I haven’t located the review. I’d like to verify that someone really was concerned that a few players left after the one work that used them. Surely reviewers don’t focus on that sort of thing. Do they?