Article
About the writer
Solo Oboe
Oboe with Keyboard Instrument
Oboe with Orchestra or Band
Oboe with Chamber Ensemble
Additional Oboe Compositions
Classified Listing of Norwegian Compositions Listed by Performance Media page 1 | page 2
Addresses of Norwegian Music Resources Consulted (see bottom of page)

The majority of an oboist's repertoire consists of compositions from western European countries such as France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands. While this repertoire is substantial there is a vast number of compositions from other European countries which have remained virtually unheard in the United States. Norway is one of these countries.

Research on the subject of Norwegian oboe works indicated that a considerable amount of literature is not published or performed in the United States. There has been a lack of substantial American research concerned with Norwegian oboe literature. An article published in 1984 by Ruth Gustavsson, an oboist in Norway, listed several Norwegian oboe works ("Letter from Norway. " The Double Reed 7 [Spring] 25). This article served as the only indication that Norwegian oboe literature was available. Correspondence with several Norwegian authorities, such as Norsk Musikkinformasjon (Norwegian Composers), revealed several significant oboe works in Norway which have never been performed in the United States. In addition, the oboe literature of Norway had not been systematically explored, codified, or analyzed.
In reality, a significant body of oboe music, known to relatively few musicians, has been written by Norwegian citizens and Norwegian residents. Since the total oboe repertoire is comparatively limited, every possible attempt should be made to broaden it. An awareness of new repertoire will make a significant difference in the body of material available to oboe teachers and performers.

This catalogue of Norwegian oboe literature is the result of a study conducted at the Norges Musikkhögskole (The Norwegian State Academy of Music), the Universitet i Oslo (The University of Oslo), the Norsk Musikkinformasjon, and the Norsk Komponistforening.[1] For purposes of this study, the guidelines issued by Norsk Musikkinformasjon were applied when considering the definition of a "Norwegian composer." These guidelines are printed periodically in the bulletin Regler for Bruk av Norsk Musikinformasjons Tjenester (Regulations for Use of the Norwegian Music Information Center's Services).

The author does not assume that all repertoire for the oboe was located during the course of the study. Every attempt was made to locate all possible repertoire. If a composition was inadvertently omitted, the author offers an apology to the composer. This study was conducted in the larger metropolitan areas of Norway, particularly Oslo and Bergen, and the existence of oboe music from more remote areas of Northern Norway is entirely possible. The author intends to supplement this study regularly with additional resources for Norwegian oboe repertoire.
Nearly all of the works included in this catalogue can be obtained through Norsk Musikkinformasjon, whose sole purpose is to promote the exposure of Norwegian music. The address is: Norsk Musikkinformasjon, Toftes gate 69, 0552 OSLO 5, Norway, telephone (02) 37-09-09. Manuscripts of these works can be obtained from Norsk Musikkinformasjon at a very reasonable price. Your cost is the price of xeroxing and shipping. In addition, manuscripts of these works should be available in the I.D.R.S. Library by January 1990.

This catalogue lists oboe literature alphabetically by composer under the following classifications: solo oboe, oboe and keyboard instrument, oboe with orchestra or band, and oboe with chamber ensemble. Each listing provides the composer's name, title, media, the date when the composition was completed, availability, length, range, and this author's commentary. For purposes of range, the middle C has been designated as c1.

About the writer...
Brent Register graduated in May 1989 as the first Doctor of Musical Arts recipient from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. This event also marked the first DMA degree awarded in the state of North Carolina. His dissertation, Survey of Norwegian Oboe Literature, was funded by a grant from the American-Scandinavian Foundation and is avail
able through University MicroFilms International. He holds the BMe degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, the M.M. degree from the Manhattan School of Music, and a matriculation certificate from the University of Oslo. His major teachers include Jim Prodan at UNC-G, Erik Niord Larson of the Oslo Philharmonic, and Tom Stacy with the New York Philharmonic. Dr. Register also has a profound interest in the integration of the visual and performing arts. He served as the coordinator for the 1988 Greensboro Very Special Arts Festival, which provides arts to children and adults with mental or physical challenges.

ENDNOTE
1. This research was made possible by a grant from The American -Scandinavian Foundation, 127 East 73rd Street, New York, New York 10021.

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