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The most common reason given is that the Oboe is the most difficult to tune and always is tuned to because is piercing and loud. This reason is actually false. The reason the oboe tunes the orchestra is because when orchestras started to develop during Handel's time, the oboe was the most common instrument in the orchestra. It was easier to tune to the oboes since there was so many of them.
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoIt is difficult because the embouchure Is very different because of the double reed. It takes a while to get used to.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoOboe reeds are quite thin and maliable and can change pitch with even the slightest adjustment of the oboist's embouchure.
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What instrument tunes the orchestra?
A standard symphony orchestra can tune to three different members: the principal oboe, the concertmaster, or the solo pianist. The oboist is used to tune whenever there is an oboe in the orchestra, the concertmaster is used whenever there isn't an oboe, and the pianist/keyboardist will play the tuning note if he or she is the soloist for the evening.
What pitch is used to tune an orchestra?
Currently in America it is set at A=440, however, some European orchestra like to go a little higher anywhere from 442-5 but in music history A has ranged anywhere from 425-460 if not a wider range of variance
What instrument is used to tune the orchestra?
Traditionally, the Concertmaster (usually the first chair violinist) tunes his violin to a known standard pitch like A-440 and then the other orchestral instruments tune to his or her pitch. Sometimes, an oboist provides the pitch tone for tuning. The oboe is used more frequently because its sound penetrates easier to all players of the orchestra.
What is an oboe's role in the orchestra?
Typically two oboists play in the orchestra; with the 2nd oboist doubling on English horn when needed. Some larger professional Symphony Orchestras (like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra). Have a dedicated English hornist, that can double second oboe, or play the rare third oboe part in a pinch.
Which member of the woodwind family does the orchestra tune to?
Bassoon In some other orchestra's the Oboe is used for this purpose.
What instrument tunes the orchestra?
A standard symphony orchestra can tune to three different members: the principal oboe, the concertmaster, or the solo pianist. The oboist is used to tune whenever there is an oboe in the orchestra, the concertmaster is used whenever there isn't an oboe, and the pianist/keyboardist will play the tuning note if he or she is the soloist for the evening.
What pitch is used to tune an orchestra?
Currently in America it is set at A=440, however, some European orchestra like to go a little higher anywhere from 442-5 but in music history A has ranged anywhere from 425-460 if not a wider range of variance
What instrument is used to tune the orchestra?
Traditionally, the Concertmaster (usually the first chair violinist) tunes his violin to a known standard pitch like A-440 and then the other orchestral instruments tune to his or her pitch. Sometimes, an oboist provides the pitch tone for tuning. The oboe is used more frequently because its sound penetrates easier to all players of the orchestra.
What is an oboe's role in the orchestra?
Typically two oboists play in the orchestra; with the 2nd oboist doubling on English horn when needed. Some larger professional Symphony Orchestras (like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra). Have a dedicated English hornist, that can double second oboe, or play the rare third oboe part in a pinch.
Which member of the woodwind family does the orchestra tune to?
Bassoon In some other orchestra's the Oboe is used for this purpose.
Is the oboe in the orchestra?
Yes, oboe is responsible for tuning the orchestra.
Why does the oboe tune the orchestra?
It is generally believed that the oboe is used as the pitch source to tune the orchestra because, of all the instruments, the oboe has the least ability to be varied. In this way of thinking, the oboist makes their reeds and strives to be able to play in tune, and since they can't be adjusted, whatever the oboist comes up with is what everyone has to accept and adjust to. There may be some truth to this legend. On the other hand, the oboe actually has a fairly large range of variability if the reed is well made and the oboist is professional-grade. (Consider this: If oboes were so impossible to tune, how could a Berlioz symphony employ four of them?) In actual fact, today, most orchestra musicians are already well-tuned to electronic tuners before the oboist sounds the first note, and the oboe-note/tuneup session is more for show than for real tuning.
Is the oboe an orchestra instrument or a band instrument?
the oboe is used in about all categories of of musical groups...even in marching bands. and yes, oboes are in the orchestra, and band as well.
What is the part an oboe plays best in in an orchestra?
The oboe doesn't necessarily play a part per se, neither do all the other instruments. It is a network. However, the oboe has wonderfully fantastic melodic phrases and solos written for it, mostly melancholy or bittersweet, or even girly and childish! Mind you that the oboe is the main tuner for the rest of the orchestra because it is constantly in-tune at A440.
Which person leads musicians in tuning there instruments?
Usually it's the principal oboe. In case of a piano concerto, the orchestra will tune to the piano.
What kind of tuning system did musicians during the baroque period?
The instruments were tuned to the Oboe which could keep the tune up and not like the string instruments which got out of tune. Remember the Baroque orchestra did not have standardization.
Does the oboe play in the orchestra?
yes
