Oboe Concerto - OB/PN

I have always thought the sound of the oboe to be one of the most elegant sounds in the palette of the wind family. When the opportunity came to write a concerto for this wonderful instrument, I jumped at it. As the oboe’s tone has always enchanted me, I decided that I wanted to veer from the normal style of concerto writing, where virtuosity is the primary element on display, and feature the rich tone of this double-reed instrument. To that end, this work has long sections (including the opening) that showcase its melodic gift, which alternate with 2 faster scherzi, giving the instrument’s technical speed a chance to shine. The original version, for oboe and orchestra, was commissioned by the Minnesota Commissioning Club.

--Jennifer Higdon

The full version for oboe and wind ensemble is available HERE. 

Duration: 18:00