OBOE QUARTETS: 1970–2020
OBOE QUARTETS: 1970–2020
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Date
2020
Authors
Balzer, Sarah Rose
Advisor
Hill, Mark
Citation
Abstract
Over the last fifty years, the oboe quartet genre has continued to grow. The
repertoire has garnered a great variety of works ranging in form and style from dance
suites, to programmatic storytelling, to twelve-tone works. This dissertation explores
works for oboe quartet composed between 1970 and 2020 with the aim of showcasing
the breadth of literature, while highlighting some of the more important and
underperformed works. A brief history of the genre from the early classical through
mid-twentieth century explores the ensemble’s development and lists many
prominent works within the oboe quartet idiom. This is followed by an in-depth
discussion of the genre since 1970, including several influential oboists and
ensembles. These works are examined in several categories, providing an overview of
the scope of the literature. First, works that are based on classical or baroque forms
and styles are examined. Following this is a discussion of several works that are
based on variations. Next, works that are based on dances are discussed. Following
that, pieces that can be described as single-movement atonal works will be examined. Several programmatic works or pieces that evoke a specific image are then detailed.
This is followed by a discussion of several works that utilize extended techniques.
Finally, works that utilize English horn with string trio are covered. Appendices
include a full repertoire list, suggestions of works for various levels, personal top
picks, publication information for detailed works, commercially available recordings
of detailed works, and a list of other works by composers detailed featuring the oboe.