Differences with the Larger Instruments, including Tuning, Bocals and Hand Problems
Differences with the Larger Instruments, including tuning, bocals and hand problems
Most oboists really enjoy playing the larger oboe family members because they take less air pressure (but more air volume) than the oboe, somewhat slower, bigger vibrato, and they sound rich and beautiful with the right reed. The act of playing these instruments, particularly in the low register, can loosen up an otherwise tight player.
While the lower register is rich and full, the upper register is weaker and more unstable in these bigger instruments. The quality of the bocal, reed, and instrument affect the focus and pitch of the upper register significantly. Usually it takes some time to find a bocal and reed style that allows for relatively loud, stable upper register playing.
Overall, these larger “oboes” do not have a great deal of volume to project over an ensemble in any register, even with the best bocal and reed. So even though the English horn, in particular, is used as a solo instrument, often in large ensembles, it can sometimes have problems with being heard.
The half-hole works differently because it is covered with a key. When the half hole is closed, keep the finger on the line between the two sections of the key, and slide to the bottom section only to “open” the half-hole.
The English horn half-hole key
There is no G# to A trill key as with the oboe, so this trill must be done with full fingerings.
Third octave fingerings have some differences and difficulties, especially above Eb6. A third octave key can be helpful. For details, see the fingering chart.
Tuning the English horn, d'Amore and Bass oboe
In orchestra, the English horn plays an E5 when tuning. There is also value to playing an E4 and B4 to get a better overall pitch perspective. In band, the tuning pitch is an F (Bb).
The oboe d’Amore plays a C5 to sound an A4 concert pitch. Unfortunately that is not a very stable, or consistent note on the d’Amore. The bocal for the d’Amore effects the pitch and stability of this C5 significantly.
The bass oboe, being in C like the oboe, tunes to an A4.
The English horn, d’Amore and bass have different lengths of bocals that can effect the overall pitch of the instrument. It is a good idea to own several lengths, usually a “1” and a “2”. The bocal can be pulled out slightly if necessary, but it is likely more effective to switch to a different bocal.
Bocals
Bocals effect pitch and tone as well as projection significantly. Different bore shape and size, lengths and surface metals are available. Most professional players have several, each pitched slight differently, and supporting different registers, for more flexibility. Generally bocals labeled “1” are the sharpest, “3” the flattest, with “2” being in the middle, but different companies have different labeling systems.
Bocals also affect individual pitches, for instance, the pitch of Bb5 or even G5. Bocals can also affect the volume and overall focus, particularly of the second and third octave notes. The third octave may be virtually unplayable without the right bocal (and/or a third octave key).
Good models include those made by Hiniker, Symer, Dallas and Laubin among others. When purchasing a bocal, be sure to tell the seller the make and model of the instrument it will be for, and arrange a trial period for the bocal or bocals. Generally the bocal that comes with a new instrument (even a professional level instrument) is only adequate, and not specialized enough for professional performance.
Keeping the reed on the bocal
The reed must be “screwed” or “twisted”on the bocal to make sure it stays on. Some reed tubes don’t fit well on some bocals, so it may be important to try different tubes. Some players use plastic tubing (purchased at a hardware store), putting it on the end of the reed to help with the connection to the bocal.
Care of bocals
Keep bocals clean with a bocal brush (usually a bassoon bocal brush), and the cork well greased so there is no danger of bending the bocal while pushing it in the instrument. The cork may need to be replaced if it starts to wear thin or tear off.
Hand Problems and Support Devices
Because of the weight of these larger instruments and the necessary spread of the fingers to cover the keys, the English horn, bass oboe, and Heckelphone are not recommended for those with small hands or short arms.
It can be helpful to learn technical passages on the oboe first, so there is less time spent on the larger, heavier instruments.
Many performers use some kind of support to help hold the heavier instruments. For information on possible support devices.