Funny comment of the day, “It was something weird like an oboe”.
The xaphoon is a rather new instrument, invented in the 1970s by Brian Wittman.
but how ’bout we add hang drum to this?
I just loved this photo below, and received permission from Aegean Reeds to share it! The next time your child asks, “Mommy, where do baby reeds come from?” you can show them this photo and then share the whole story.
Of course now I’m curious about the cane myself. Might have to give it a go, yes?!
I can hear someone practicing the flute nearby. Reminds me of how my parents made me practice my oboe outside.
We have now had three of the four orchestra-only rehearsals for Idomeneo. Even without the cast, I’m enjoying it tremendously. Notice I didn’t say “without singers”? That’s because the chorus master, Andrew Whitfield, has been singing during each rehearsal! Can you imagine? He’s covering all the parts, so we have a good idea of what is going on. It’s quite helpful, and I’m very grateful, but I simply can’t even imagine how his voice feels at this point!
San Francisco Classical Voice has a good article on the opera here. You can also visit this site to read about the production.
The majority of the orchestra can’t see anything of the stage, but I snapped a few quick photos before yesterday and today’s rehearsals. In addition I’m planning on attending a piano tech rehearsal so I can see and hear it all. For me — not sure it matters to my colleagues — it really helps to know what’s going on on stage. I just feel more connected to the production then. When we were in the tiny Montgomery we all recognized and even knew the singers. These days many of us haven’t a clue, and I’m guessing most of the singers don’t have a clue who we are or what we play. (But, truth be told, the singers at Montgomery didn’t either sometimes. I remember a tenor saying to me, “And I am sure you are a mother of one of the children!” when we went to a cast party. Truth was, our daughter Kelsey was singing in that production of Magic Flute, but I also was playing principal oboe! He clearly hadn’t a clue I was in the orchestra.) I just love to feel as if we are all one big family. Or something. Call me silly!
I have yet to hear all the singers, of course, but I’m loving this opera. I had listened to it several times (one was on my flight to New York, and it was a great way to spend a flight!) and the choruses are just incredible; when I hear them the word “glorious” comes to mind.
Here are just a couple of photos, although you can see things aren’t completely set yet:
And now a fun game for you … guess who is the oboe player and who plays flute?!
And guess the which photo is from the flute section and which is from the oboe section.
… I only wish we could watch them as they play, rather than just look at this photo!
1920’s Medley (arr James Horan) – Lonarc Oboe Trio
Oboes – Joseph Sanders, James Horan. Cor Anglais – Judy Proctor
Recorded in 1996 at St Mary’s, Perivale by Chris Tyrer (chris@solidairmedia.co.uk)
Photographs by Marc Schlossman (marc@marcschlossmann.com)
I will confess lately I’ve been missing playing the Oboe!!!!!
Chasmore: O wally, wally
Banchieri Singers
practicing my oboe and i think my dog is scared of the sounds haha
