MJFOBOE

Alex 2 points: I assume your sore is in C. To transpose from English Horn in F to Oboe is a 5th up. If you review your English horn part that would put the Oboe in the mid-range. Secondly, you have the English horn play G above the staff ... not a low note. As per the Oboe and the problems with low notes ... which I would consider to be anything below a C#/Db you are correct. The amateurs and some semi-pro players might have difficulty attacking the notes with confidence and producing an initial soft attack and pleasant tone too. Personally, I practice daily producing soft attacks on the lower notes and I test my (handmade) reeds on such an attack. So much skill: air support, embouchure, coordination (tongue, breath, fingers) all impact on the low notes. So you I guess you have to know your players experience level. Now having said this .... I really don't like composers who do not appreciate and who write melodic lines etc. for Oboe without understanding the skill level needed and/or the context written for those low low low notes. Oboe is a challenging instrument ... one you both love and hate at times! And don't let me start on the reeds .............................. Mark

My reason for using the English horn, is that oboes can sound quite harsh and intrusive in their low range. A bit like a duck! So I thought an English horn would have a more pleasant timbre in that range. Alex this really is a misunderstanding of how an Oboe works! Let's throw out the meme about DUCKS! The lower range/register can be as beautiful as the upper range. (just ask Dvorak). The English horn in this orchestration will not add too much. It does not have the penetration ... it is better used a solo instrument or in a small ensemble. Please no more duck jokes! Mark

This is a very lovely work which reminds of the Poulenc Oboe Sonata The piano accompaniment is very effective. The initial theme lovely; however, a bit repetitious (even with the challenging piano movement underneath). From a technical point of view - no problem for the Oboist here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hgiP3XLKQ8&list=RD9hgiP3XLKQ8&start_radio=1

Hi Alex, Very interesting harmony and movement. My only comment is the orchestration: Instead of doubling for example the Oboes why not give the second Oboe the English Horn line. Similarly, I would also move the Bass Clarinet to the one of the Bassoons. I don't really feel you need the need them in the orchestration. Mark

Well then you can take your gift a notch higher with some music/theory training. I wish I had that ability. Mark

Alex, I enjoyed the interesting harmonies; however, I felt the structure of the work to be a bit loose. I had difficulty following a coherent theme and I felt the work didn't have an arch to it to carry me through from the beginning to the end. Mark

Well then .... you do have an unique ability! Mark

Yes, there is software that can take a audio melody and create music notation. I am very curious about the "System" you are using .... is it a special software/hardware program. Because your posted score seems highly unusual. Mark

Lovely sentimental work. I loved the bassoon solo in the beginning! Mark

Are you using software to transcribe the audio in to music notation? Mark

With respect to tempo/breathing etc. - the oboe part is NOT well thought out at all. You really need to learn about the strengths and limitations of instruments and players; whether you write for woodwinds, brass, strings or percussion. Best to talk to players and show them the score and learn from them. <ark

I’m curious about what kind of music you were listening to when you composed this.

The rhythmic elements reminds of Darius Milhaud. Quite enjoyable. Mark

Thank you for taking the time to listen to my work. Well, it's beyond me why I called it a Trio. I must have had another work in mind when I posted. As for the sparse piano accompaniment is to create a specific mood/feeling. I understand the slurs are not bowing marks .... placed there for interpretive intent only ... will it confuse the violinist? You provided some motivation to do more with the piece ... maybe I'll work on it. I'll see if my muse speaks to me! 🤔 Mark

Stylistically the composition reminds of the soft folk rock of the late 1960's. A very pleasant work. Mark