by Brent Register
Clarion, Pennsylvania
In 1989 research was conducted that resulted in a catalogue of Norwegian oboe literature. The results of this research were published in the 1990 Journal of the International Double Reed Society (Number 18, pp. 25-53). This catalogue systematically explored, codified and described over 100 Norwegian oboe compositions.
In 1991 additional research was conducted to supplement the existing catalogue.1 The result is over 40 additional works included in this article. These works were omitted from the original document for one or more of the following reasons:
a) the work had not been composedc) the work was not composed to specifically highlight the oboe
d) the composition exceeded the stated guidelines presented in the study.
This supplement is the result of research conducted at Norsk Musikkinformasjon. 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 Musikkinformasjons Tjenester (Regulations for Use of the Norwegian Music Information Center's Services).
The majority of works listed in this supplement are chamber works and are in manuscript. The only chamber medium that is not included in this listing are the traditional woodwind quintets. 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 may be obtained from Norsk Musikk informasjon at the very reasonable price of xeroxing and shipping. In addition, manuscripts of these works have been placed in the I.D.R.S. Library. The few compositions which are published are available only through the publisher.
This catalogue lists the literature alphabetically by composer and is divided into two sections: 1) oboe - solo and ensemble and 2) English horn - solo and ensemble. Following the article is a classified listing of the compositions listed by performance medium.
In March, 1992 a bulletin from Norsk Musikkinformasjon was received which lists works made available since the additional research. These works are listed as "Additional Oboe Compositions." Comments are not available about these works, but more information may be obtained by contacting Norsk Musikkinformasjon.
Each listing provides the composer's name, title, media, the date when the composition was completed, availability if published, length, range, and this author's commentary. For purposes of range, the middle C has been designated as c'. Additional instrument ranges have been included where appropriate.
Finally, the author would like to express appreciation to members who have inquired about compositions listed in the previous catalogue. Norsk Musikkinformasjon reports that several members have purchased manuscripts of these Norwegian oboe works. It is rewarding to learn that these compositions previously unheard in North America and Continental Europe are being performed on the concert stage.
Overall, Divertimento is a welcome addition to the repertoire for this instrumentation. The composition is appropriate for students at an intermediate to advanced level. The oboe lines remain in the staff. The flute lines remain rather high throughout the composition. The clarinet lines basically remain on or below the staff. There are various articulations and dynamic markings.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS: A taped performance is available at Norsk Musikkinformasjon.
The text for the second song is taken from Isaiah 61, verses 10-11. This song is also in 4/4 meter. The rhythms are more complex with quintuplets. The quarter note is indicated at M.M. = 52.
This composition is basically tonal with occasional chromatic passages. The range for the soprano and oboe is comfortable, and the organ part is simple. The oboe part has the character of an obligato. There are plenty of rests which allow the player ample time to breathe. The text is in Norwegian and no organ registration is provided.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS: none1. "Rain Dance"; This movement only requires two different notes from each instrument. It is very simple and the bassoon line is in tenor clef.
2. "Cheyenne War-dance"; A rhythmically complex and very syncopated movement.
3. "Sun-Dance"; The oboe is highlighted in this very short movement. It begins with a brief introduction by the bassoon and clarinet.
4. "The Old Glory Raising on Iwo Jima"; This movement is characterized by glissandi. It is rhythmically complex with a wide dynamic contrast. The composer indicates where the performers should and should not use vibrato. Quarter-tone glissandi are also required.
5. "Sun-Dance"; A syncopated movement at a very soft dynamic level. There are many solo sections for the oboe.
6. "My Enemy, I Come After Your Good, White Horse"; This movement is very syncopated and jazzy. The oboist is required to flutter-tongue.
Overall, Rain Dance is an excellent composition for this medium. The movements vary in their degree of difficulty. The contemporary techniques and tricky syncopation are best suited for advanced performers.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS: noneWave requires advanced players. It is rhythmically complex and technically demanding for all of the players. The harpsichord part is characterized by ascending, thirty-second note passages which enhance the solo lines. The cello part requires extensive use of harmonics and occasional glissandi. The oboe line is not too difficult aside from a few tricky passages near the end of the work. The ensemble is very complex with difficult crossrhythms and syncopation. Extensive rehearsals are necessary for ensemble accuracy.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS: noneThe rhythmic structure of Profils is very intricate with the use of syncopation, dotted rhythms and beat divisions. The dynamic range is wide and Bull has carefully notated the desired articulations.
This composition is best for advanced players. The rhythmic complexity and ensemble require precision and musical maturity. Each part contains many awkward interval leaps at a rapid tempo. The piano part is not easy. Extensive rehearsals will be necessary for a convincing performance.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS: A taped performance is available at Norsk Musikkinformasjon.
The first movement is marked Allegro in 2/4 meter. The rhythms consist of quarter and eighth notes. The range lies primarily above the staff.
The second movement is marked Andante. It is is a lilting 6/8 meter. The lines are flowing with sixteenth-note passages.
The third movement is vivace in 3/4 meter. The rhythms are primarily quarter and eighth notes.
Overall, Trio for Oboe is very accessible to the performers and the audience. The ensemble between the players is not difficult. The oboe lines tend to lie above the staff. There are ample rests. The viola part requires double stops.
Good intonation is necessary for this composition. The majority of oboe, viola and piano lines are written in unison. The score and parts are clear and easy to read.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS.- none
The opening phrases are imitative, unmetered and dissonant. There is no obvious tonal structure. The work becomes more rhythmically complex. The central section of the work is in a mixed-meter Andante. The rhythms become very syncopated and the texture pointillistic.
Overall, Nocturne is a very complex work with unique orchestration. The performance will require an excellent ensemble, and perhaps even a conductor. Each performer must read from the cutout score.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS: none
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS.- none
COMPOSER: EVENSEN, Bernt Kasberg
COMPOSITION., Tre Dyreportretter (Three
Animal Portraits)
MEDIA: voice, oboe, clarinet, bassoon,
horn
DATE: January 14, 1982
LENGTH: approximately 2 minutes
RANGE- oboe: c'- b"
COMMENTS: Tre Dyreportretter was composed for performance at children's programs.
The text is in Norwegian with no translation
presented in the score. The voice-type is not
indicated.
The first movement, Reven (The Fox), is a short, lively movement. The bassoon is not required in this movement. The score indicates that the bassoonist may play along with the vocalist.
The second movement, Ulven (The Wolf), is in 4/4 meter and at a moderate tempo. There are large interval leaps and the dynamic range is wide. The meter is mixed.
The third movement, Bjornen (The Bear), is a very short movement. The vocalist speaks more than sings.
Overall, Tre Dyreportretter is a very effective composition for a children's concert. The flutist in a woodwind quintet could easily sing the vocal lines. Considering the brevity of the work, the vocal lines might be translated to another language without effecting the integrity of the work. Ensemble should present no difficulty. Flutter-tonguing is required from the oboist and horn. There are a few fast, technical passages in the clarinet part.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS.- noneOverall, the composition is very effective. Ensemble will take some time. The composition is very dissonant in sections, and requires a soprano with a good sense of pitch.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS: noneAVAILABLE RECORDINGS- none
COMPOSER: GANGSO, Arvid
COMPOSITION: Triptykon
DATE.- 1982-83
LENGTH: 9 minutes, 30 seconds
RANGE: oboe: c'-c-sharp'''
COMMENTS: Triptykon is a three-movement
composition with no obvious tonal structure.
The first movement is marked risoluto with the
quarter note indicated at M.M. = 69. The oboe
part is characterized
by
large interval leaps of
almost two octaves. There are several passages
which require fast, repeated tonguing in the low
register. The second movement is marked cantabile with the quarter note indicated at
M.M. = 52. The texture of this movement is thin
with slow, sustained lines. A section of this
movement omits the keyboard. There are
several large interval leaps in the oboe line.
There are many trills, a wide dynamic range, and
emphasis on the tritone. The third movement is
marked scherzando with the quarter note
indicated at M.M. = 88. This movement is
rhythmically challenging with syncopation and
very similar to the two preceding movements.
Overall, Triptykon is an interesting composition. The constant use of large interval leaps requires flexibility in the embouchure. The work is technically accessible. The cello part requires use of double stops and harmonics. Each movement is in mixed meter. The syncopation and thin texture require rhythmic integrity for a convincing performance. The score is in handwritten manuscript.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS: none
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS: none
COMPOSER: GJERSTROM, Bjorn G.
COMPOSITION: Three Moods, Opus 21
MEDIA: solo oboe
DATE: 1990
AVAILABILITY: Published by Norsk
Musikforlag A/S, Oslo,
Edition N.M.O. 10309.
LENGTH: approximately 7 minutes
RANGE: c'- c-sharp'''
COMMENTS: Three Moods is a three-movement composition with each movement depicting a specific mood. The first movement is
entitled "Hope." The oboist has considerable
freedom when performing this movement. The
eighth note is indicated at M.M. = 96. This
movement is unmetered and there is no obvious
tonal scheme. The tempi alternate between
faster and slower sections. Gjerstrom indicates interpretato molto at the beginning of the
movement.
The second movement is entitled "Sorrow." This slow movement is in mixed meter with the eighth note remaining constant. Frequent fermati suggest that the performer may be flexible with the interpretation. This movement has a wide dynamic range.
The final movement, "Delight", is in a fast 4/4 meter. This movement requires a clean, fast technique. There are several fast, tongued passages and a wide dynamic range.
Three Moods is appropriate for both performing and studio teaching. It is accessible to audiences and fun for the performer. The numerous articulations, varied dynamics, practical range and diverse levels of interpretation make this composition excellent for teaching. The edition is clear and easy to read.AVAILABLE RECORDINGS: A taped performance is available at Norsk Musikkinformasjon.
Trio for flute, oboe and clarinet, written in 1967, is Grov's first large scale composition. The work has a light and entertaining character to which occasional pastoral moods and more elegiac passages form a contrast. The three instruments are quite equal in the contrapuntal play of lines, and all three movements are clearly divided into sections. The composer says the following about his form:
"I do not put my music into any fixed form but, rather, let the form be 'determined' by the 'will' of the material."
(Phillips recording 411082-1)
Trio is an excellent composition for performing or coaching. The rhythmic structure is occasionally syncopated and requires rhythmic stability. The meter is mixed with a constant underlying beat. The dynamic range is very large. The flute part primarily stays above the staff and requires a soft dynamic level on the higher notes. The oboe part stays primarily in the staff. The clarinet part has the largest range and most technical passages. The articulations are varied. The score and parts are very clean and easy to read.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS: Phillips 411 082-1 (Per Oien, flute; Hoff, oboe; Harald Bergersen, clarinet)
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS none
COMPOSER: HUNDSNES, Svein
COMPOSITION: Four Pieces for Flute (Oboe)
and Piano
MEDIA: Flute or Oboe and Piano
DATE: Copyright 1985
AVAILABILITY- Published by Norsk
Musikforlag A/S, Oslo.
Edition N.M.O. 9753.
LENGTH: approximately 10 minutes
RANGE: f'- d'''
COMMENTS: This composition is included in
this listing because Hundsnes states that Four
Pieces is appropriate for the oboe. Four Pieces
is a simple, tonal composition that is an
excellent teaching piece for younger players.
This is with the understanding that the range
generally lies in the higher end of the
instrument. A significant portion of the work
stays between c" and c"'. All of the movements
are of a slow and gentle nature. The melodic
lines are smooth with many rests for breathing.
The rhythms are simple and easy to coordinate
with the piano. The piano part will present no problem.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS: none
COMPOSER: HVOSLEF, Ketil
COMPOSITION: Fragmenti di Roma
MEDIA: oboe, clarinet in A, bassoon
DATE: November 24, 1988
LENGTH: approximately 15 minutes
RANGE: oboe: b-g'''
"I
clarinet: e - e'''
bassoon: BB-flat - f"
COMMENTS: Fragmenti di Roma is an eleven
movement composition which fully exploits the
technical and dynamic range of each instrument.
General characteristics and Hvoslef's timings
are as follows:
1. alternating trill passages 1'30"
2. alternating triplets; fast 40"
3. oboe/clarinet only 1'20"
4. sustained long notes 1'30"
5. syncopated rhythms l'OO"
6. fast sextuplets 30"
7. clarinet melody/ostinato oboe l'OO"
8. bassoon/clarinet only 2'10"
9. homophonic texture 1'45"
10. large intervals; technical 1'40"
Overall, Fragmenti di Roma presents a varied assortment of challenges to all levels of playing. Sustained, homophonic movements are contrasted with faster, imitative movements. Rhythmic stability is a necessity for an accurate performance. The composition is technically accessible for intermediate to advanced players. The two final movements present the greatest challenge. The bassoonist must have facility with the tenor clef. Hvoslef states in the score "You may play all of the 'fragmenti'...or you may play some of them .It is not necessary to program the entire composition to achieve a satisfactory performance.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS: none
COMPOSER: KARLSEN, Kjell Mork
COMPOSITION- Blix-Kantate, Opus 80
MEDIA: baritone solo, mixed choir, oboe,
string orchestra, organ
DATE: 1986
LENGTH: approximateiy 20 minutes
RANGE: d'- b"
COMMENTS: Blix-Kantate is a three-part
cantata with Norwegian text. The three parts
are intended for performance at Christmas,
Easter and the Pentecost respectively.
The first part (Jul) has a lilting 6/8 meter with a flowing obligato oboe line. The baritone and oboe constantly exchange melodic lines. There is very little use of the choir. The baritone delivers a recitative midway through the movement.
The second part (Paske) is a homophonic movement in 3/4 meter. The oboe line is an obligato in simple, scaler patterns. Karlsen incorporates a melody by the Norwegian composer Ludwig Mathias Lindeman (1812-1887) into this movement.
The third part (Pinse) is a faster movement in 2/4 meter. The oboe begins the movement alone. There is imitative interaction between the oboe and violins.
Overall, Blix-Kantate is a good addition to the literature available for oboe and choir. The movements are tonal and technically accessible for the entire ensemble. The melodic lines, range and ample rests are very comfortable for the oboist. Ensemble is not difficult. The score is very clean and easy to read. There is no translation of the Norwegian text available in the score.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS: noneAVAILABLE RECORDINGS. none
COMPOSER: KITTELSEN, Guttorm
COMPOSITION: In Memoriam
MEDIA: solo violin, flute or oboe
DATE: November 30,1984; Revised
April 5, 1990
LENGTH: 3 minutes, 30 seconds
RANGE: d' - f-sharp'''
COMMENTS: In Memoriam is a short, one
movement composition for a treble instrument.
Originally composed for violin, Kittelsen has
recommended appropriate breath marks for the
wind instruments. The range lies primarily above
the staff. It is during the ending cadenza that the
range dips to d'. Kittelsen provides alternate
measures for several sections of the work which
can be used at the performer's discretion. There
are no written rests throughout the work. The tempo rubato suggests that a degree of freedom
for interpretation and breathing is allowed. In
Memoriam is an interesting performance piece.
The high range and lack of rests are inappropriate for teaching purposes at a beginner level.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS none
COMPOSER: KJELDAAS, Arnljot
COMPOSITION- 4 Sma Fuger i Klassisk Form (4 Small Fugues in Classical
Form)
MEDIA: oboe, clarinet in A, bassoon
DATE.- 1939
LENGTH: Total work: approximately 4
minutes
Fugue #4: approximately 1 minute
RANGE.- oboe: f-sharp'- b''
clarinet: a - f-sharp"
bassoon: F-SHARP - d'
COMMENTS: 4 Sma Fuger is a simple chamber work for strings and woodwinds. Fugue #1
is for two violins. Fugue #2 is for violin and
viola. Fugue #3 is for viola and cello. Fugue #4
is the only three-voice fugue, and is for
woodwinds. This short composition represents
one of the earliest Norwegian works featuring
the oboe. It is preceded only by Saeverud's Obo-Konzert, Opus 12.
Fugue #4 is a very simple, tonal composition that is technically accessible to beginning students. It is useful as a teaching tool to introduce contrapuntal style. Ensemble is simple.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS.- none
COMPOSER: KLEIBERG, Stale
COMPOSITION: Lyssmeden (literal translation:
Light Master)
MEDIA: oboe, soprano, piano
DATE: none available
LENGTH: approximately 15 minutes
RANGE: oboe: c'- d'''
soprano: c'- g-sharp"
COMMENTS: Lyssmeden is a complex
composition in five movements. The Norwegian
text is the poetry of Helge Torvund. No
translation is provided in the score. There is no
obvious tonal scheme in the composition. The
harmonies are often clusters and tritones. The first movement is in 4/4 meter with the quarter
note indicated at M.M. = 60. The oboe lines are
flowing. The piano part is extremely athletic.
The second movement is in a fast 6/8 meter. The oboe and soprano lines appear secondary to the complicated action in the piano part. This movement is rhythmically complex.
The third movement is only for the soprano and oboe. The soprano is required to demonstrate excellent pitch. The movement ends with the oboe and soprano at the interval of a tritone.
The fourth and fifth movements are in 4/4 meter. Again, the flowing vocal and oboe lines are juxtaposed with the complex piano part. The composition ends softly with the oboe and soprano in unison. The pianist is required to end the composition with a silent "arm" cluster.
Overall, Lyssmeden is an effective composition that challenges each performer. The oboe range is very practical and the rhythmic lines are manageable. Ensemble presents a significant challenge. The piano part is complex. The soprano must be secure with the vocal lines. The oboe and piano parts offer little help to the soprano. The score is clear and easy to read.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS: none
COMPOSER: KLEIBERG, Stale
COMPOSITION: Sonatine for 3 treblasere (Sonatina for Three Wind
Instruments)
MEDIA: flute, oboe, bassoon
DATE: none available
LENGTH: approximately 8 minutes
RANGE: flute: e-flat'-g'''
oboe: b - c'''
bassoon: E-FLAT - a'
COMMENTS: Sonatine is a three-movement
composition. The movements are tonal with
occasional areas of dissonance. Each movement
is in 4/4 meter. The first movement has the
quarter note indicated at M.M. = 100. The lines
are imitative and the overall dynamic level is
soft. The slower second movement has smooth,
flowing lines. The dynamic level is soft. The
third movement has the quarter note indicated
at M.M. = 120. The flute and oboe lines are
imitative. They are supported by a continuous
bassoon line with few rests. The movement
ends with the three instruments in unison.
Overall, Sonatine is very accessible to the performers and the audience. The practical ranges and idiomatic writing make ensemble easy. The work is tonal with a constant use of parallel thirds, fourths and fifths. This will make good intonation crucial for a good performance. Kleiberg has allowed many rests for breathing with the exception of the bassoon part in movement three. The dynamic level remains soft until the final movement. A very good composition for this combination of instruments.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS.- noneThree Etudes makes an interesting addition to the repertoire for this combination of instruments. The composition is basically tonal with sections of dissonance. This is particularly true in the final movement. This movement highlights the tritone. The composition is technically accessible to intermediate players. Rhythmic stability is necessary for an effective performance. The composition is very syncopated. The manuscript score is often difficult to read.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS: noneDuo for obo og klarinett is written well for each instrument. Technique and ensemble should present no difficulty to intermediate players' Careful study of the work is necessary to understand the harmonic and melodic relationships. The dynamic range is large. The score is in manuscript notation.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS: none
The first movement is marked allegro appassionato and is in 3/4 meter. This is the longest movement of almost 8 minutes. The movement is technical and often chromatic. There are passages where all seven players are unison.
The second movement is a minuet in 3/4 meter. The flute and clarinet parts require the most technique. One moment requires the flutes and oboes to sustain in unison at a soft dynamic level.
The third movement is titled "Fantasia" and is in 4/4 meter. This movement is approximately 7 minutes in length. Each performer has a solo section in this movement.
The fourth movement is a "Burlesque." This movement has sections which are extremely syncopated. The contrabassoon and piccolo share the melody against fast, technical passages in the other winds.
The final movement is a fast march. The flute parts require the most technique. Several of the passages are in unison for all seven instruments.
Septett is a good work for this combination of instruments. Each performer must have great intonation due to the frequent unison sections. Each movement requires rhythmic precision and a good dynamic range. Rests are frequent to allow time for breathing. The score is often difficult to follow. Lerstad allows plenty of time for the doublers to change instruments.
The third movement is allegro with several tempo changes. This movement opens with a homophonic texture and requires good intonation. The third movement requires the most technique on the oboe. The technical passages are scaler and should present little difficulty. The rhythms for Quartet Number I are simple and ensemble will present no difficulty. Lunde's Quartet Number 1, Opus 10 is much less complex than his Quartet Number 2, Opus 19.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS- noneCOMPOSER: OLSEN, C.G. Sparre
COMPOSITION: Air
MEDIA: oboe and piano
DATE: Published 1981
AVAILABILITY: Published by Norsk
Musikforlag A/S, Oslo.
Edition N.M.O. 9288.
LENGTH: approximately one minute
RANGE: b-flat'- b-flat"
COMMENTS: Air is a tonal composition in
4/4 meter. The simple phrases consist of slow
note values and easy rhythms. It makes an
excellent composition for the beginning studentwith two exceptions: 1) although the composition is short, there are no rests in the oboe line,
and 2) the composition never develops the
lower register of the oboe. The piano part is
very simple.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS.- none
COMPOSER: OLSEN, C.G. Sparre
COMPOSITION: Canto III for Two Woodwind
Instruments
MEDIA: flutes, oboes, clarinets or
other wind
instruments.
AVAILABILITY: Published by Norsk
Musikforlag A/S, Oslo. Edition N.M.O. 9326.
LENGTH: approximately 1 minute
RANGE.- Part 1: f' - f"
Part 2: c' - d"
COMMENTS. The characteristics of Canto III are very similar to those mentioned for Air. This duet is short with simple phrase structures. The rhythms consist of quarter notes and half notes. It makes a good teaching piece, however, the lack of rests may create breathing difficulties.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS: none
COMPOSER: RØNNES, Robert COMPOSITION.- A Spanish Night MEDIA: oboe and harp
DATE: November 16,1978
LENGTH: approximately 4 minutes
RANGE: c' - f'''
COMMENTS: A Spanish Night is a short, one movement composition. It is in traditional notation and has a distinctive "Spanish" quality in regard to harmony and rhythm. The phrases are long and graceful with triplet rhythms. This tonal composition begins in d minor and ends in F major. The oboe lines have some large interval leaps of more than one octave. The harp part is characterized by glissandi and triplets. Rønnes provides no initial pedalings in the score, but pedal changes are clearly indicated.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS- none
COMPOSER: RYPDAL, TerjeAVAILABLE RECORDINGS: none
COMPOSER: SCHAATHUN, Ashbjorn
COMPOSITION.- Fire Setninger (Four Sentences)
MEDIA: flute, oboe, B-flat clarinet
DATE: 1981-82
LENGTH: approximately 5 minutes
RANGE: flute: c' -b-flat'''
oboe: b - e'''
clarinet: e'-g'''
COMMENTS: Fire Setninger is a serial composition in four movements. The composition
was originally composed for piano in 1975-76
and transcribed for wind trio in 1981. The title
Each of the movements are brief. The longest movement is one minute and forty seconds. The texture is very thin and pointillistic. The composition is technically accessible, however, there are many large interval leaps. The dynamic range is wide on all registers of the instruments. The meter is mixed.
Fire Setninger is written well for each of the instruments and is a good study of serialism. Concentrated rehearsals are necessary to understand the melodic relationships and for ensemble accuracy. Each player must have dynamic and intonation control in each register of their instrument.
The ensemble for Sakkoch requires advanced performers. Each of the parts is demanding. The complex rhythmic structure requires stability and accuracy. A conductor may be necessary. The cellist must play harmonics. Pedalings for the harp are included in the score. Stalheim indicates that the percussion may require two players.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS: noneThe four movements are entitled "Overture", "Scherzo", "Arietta" and "Finale." Concerto Minimo is a good composition for performance and teaching. It is excellent for teaching beginning students, or for teaching neo-Classical style. The short, tonal movements present the oboe in a variety of styles. The solo lines have many rests for breathing, and the brief movements require little endurance. The phrases are simple, lyrical and technically accessible. The piano part is simple and ensemble is not difficult.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS: Talent TLS 4036 (Brynjar Hoff, oboist)
COMPOSER: THOMMESSEN, Olav Anton
Biblioteksfanfare is a very short composition written for the opening of the International Association of Music Libraries Congress in Bergen, Norway. It is marked vivo and is in 4/4 meter. There are many grace note flourishes and characteristic fanfare rhythms. Ensemble is not difficult. The work is generally loud with many fortepianos. The bassoon part is in tenor
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS: A taped performance is available at Norsk Musikkinformasjon.
COMPOSER: THOMMESSEN, Olav AntonGratias Agimus is for advanced players. Aside from the extreme oboe range, the piano part is very athletic. Constant streams of thirtysecond notes and various rhythms must be coordinated with the oboe line. The manuscript score may present problems. The piano part is often written on three lines.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS: none
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS: none
COMPOSER: THOMMESSEN, Olav Anton
COMPOSITION: Punkter for Kontrainstrumenter
(Music for Low Instruments)
MEDIA: English horn, Bass clarinet,
Contrabassoon
DATE: December 11, 1976
LENGTH: approximately 4 minutes
RANGE: English horn: c'-f-sharp'''
Bass clarinet: e - f-sharp'''
Contrabassoon: C-sharp - a-sharp'
COMMENTS: Punkter for Kontrainstrumenter
has been grouped together with Biblioteksfanfare. The complete work is entitled To
Stykker for Tre-blasere, Opus 25 (Two Pieces for
Three Winds). A description of Biblioteksfanfare
is found in the oboe listing. The grouping is
unclear because the individual works are not
similar and the instrumentation differs.
Punkter for Kontrainstrumenter is a one movement composition in 4/4 meter. The quarter note is indicated at M.M. = 60. The short phrases are very ornamented with many thirty second note figures. The English hornist must tremolo a'- c-sharp" and e" - g-sharp" at a rapid speed. There are several large interval leaps of more than two octaves. The English horn line is characteristic of the bass clarinet and contrabassoon lines. The ornamented phrases will need to be coordinated carefully for accurate performance. The score is difficult to read, however, the parts are very clear.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS.- none
The second movement, "Stream and River", is in mixed meter with the eighth-note indicated at M.M. = 152. The interval of a major fourth is important in this movement.
The final movement, "Black Sea", is indicated as rubato quasi improvizazione. It is in mixed meter with the quarter note remaining steady. There are a few technical areas with repetitive thirty-second note flourishes.
Three Dances is a good addition to the solo English horn repertoire. It is technically demanding in some areas and requires a wide dynamic range. A majority of the composition's range lies in the staff.
AVAILABLE RECORDINGS: noneLISTED BY PERFORMANCE MEDIA
Solo Oboe
Gjerstrom THREE MOODS, Opus 21
Kittelsen IN MEMORIAM
Solo English horn
Waldejer THREE DANCES
Oboe with Keyboard
Hundsnes FOUR PIECES
Olsen AIR
Stromholm CONCERTO MINIMO IN A
Thommessen GRATIAS AGIMUS
Oboe with Electronics
Fongaard CONCERTO, Opus 131, #29 and #31
Woodwind Duo
Kolberg DUO
Woodwind Trio
Baden DIVERTIMENTO
Berge RAIN DANCE
Grov TRIO
Hvoslef FRAGMENTI Di ROMA
Kjeldaas 4 SMA FUGER I KLASSISK FORM
Kleiberg SONATINE
Knutsen THREE ETUDES
Rønnes BIBLIOTEKSFANFARE
Schaathun FIRE SETNINGER
Thommessen BIBLIOTEKSFANFARE
Thommessen
PUNKTER FOR KONTRAINSTRUMENTER
Four or More Woodwinds
Lerstad SEPTETT, Opus9l
Bøttcher
....
KLEINE GEISTLICHE KAMMERMUSIK
Oboe, Voice, Keyboard
Baden TO BIBELSKE SANGER, verk 104
Evensen DEN SJETTE DAG
Kleiberg LYSSMEDEN
Oboe, Voice(s), String(s), Keyboard
Evensen THE RINGS OF SATURN
Karlsen BLIX-KANTATE, Opus 80
Killengreen RETROSPEKT
Multiple Winds and Voice
Evensen TRE DYREPORTRETTER
Germeten FLYSKREKK!
Oboe with Strings
Lunde QUARTET NO. 1, Opus 10
Meyers ZINOBER VEIEN
Oboe, String(s), Keyboard
Berge WAVE
Bottcher TRIO FOR OBOE
Gangso TRIPTYKON
Hegdal SONATA NUMBER 2
Multiple Winds, Strings, Keyboard
Emilsen NOCTURNE
Miscellaneous
Bull PROFILS, Opus 49 (winds, piano)
Lunde IMAGE, Opus 32 (ob., bssn., perc.)
Ronnes A SPANISH NIGHT (oboe, harp)
Rypdal WHENEVER I SEEM FAR AWAY,
Opus 8 (winds, strings, electric guitar)
Stalheim SAKKOCH
(ob., accorod., perc., harp, cello)
ADDITIONAL OBOE COMPOSITIONS
BJORKLUND, Terje, Magnificat for Soloists,
Choir, Organ, Oboe ..and String Orchestra, 1990 unpublished.
MADSEN, Trygve, Die funf Launen des Herrn
Mephisto Foss: fur Flote, Oboe, Marinette (und Horn (F), Opus 9. unpublished.
MEYERS, Randall, Zannata for Oboe Solo and
Chamber Orchestra . 1991, (1-1 (1)-1-1 1-1
timp, pf, str), unpublished.
NORDHAGEN, Stig, Concertino for Twelve Woodwinds, 1987, (3 fl., 3 ob., 3 cl., 2 bsn., cbsn), unpublished.
RØNNES, Robert, Grand Trio Concertant: Trois peintures de .... Odd Nerdrum pour trois soliste 1991, (ob., bsn., pf.) . unpublished.[Dr. Brent Register, is an Assistant Professor of Music at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. He holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in oboe performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. His other degrees include the Bachelor of Music Education from UNC-G and the Master of Music in English horn performance from the Manhattan School of Music. He also holds a certificate of achievement from the University of Oslo in Norway, where he spent the year of 1988 researching for his doctoral dissertation. His teachers include Dr James C. Prodan (UNC-G), Erik Niord Larsen (Norges Musikkhogskolen) and Thomas Stacy (New York Philharmonic).
An advocate of new music, Dr. Register recently performed a solo recital which included the Pennsylvania premieres of the Trygve Madsen Sonate for Obo og Klaver, Opus 22, Kjell Mork Karlsen's Sonatina Opus 44 and Marc Apfelstadt's Prisms and Refractions. In December 1991 he coordinated and performed on a recital by Thomas Stacy at Clarion University. Included in this performance were the Pennsylvania premieres of Ross Lee Finney's Divertimento and Conrad Susa's Six Songs for Oboe and Harpsichord. ]
END NOTE
1 This research was made possible by a grant from the Faculty Research and Development Committee of the College of Arts and Sciences at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. In addition, the manuscripts which have been placed in the I.D.R.S. Library were purchased and donated as a stipulation of this grant.