When composing for oboe, how useful is it to think about recorder fingerings?

Question

I'm always a bit anxious when writing for winds, because I don't really have much of a clue how passages will be executed on the specific instrument. (And I know how needlessly complicated some parts get on _my_ instruments, if the composer somehow assumes that everything is a piano...) The only wind instrument I know (a little) is recorder. Now my question is, is it actually helpful for an oboe player if I basically write a tenor-recorder part for them? What crucial differences are there between the different woodwind instruments, that need to be considered for writing idiomatic parts? I'm specifically interested about fingering here, ideally including nonstandard tricks for microtonality and special effects. Not interested in issues of orchestration, nor a lot in breathing and other time-related factors; assume I'm writing for unaccompanied solo oboe with no particular tempo constraints. _{[Actually, I'm mostly thinking about an (amplified) oboe part in a metal band setting right now, but the question shouldn't really be about that.]}

Answer 1

Hello, It is possible to write music for oboe if you use a recorder fingering. Sometimes, I play music which is written for violin or flute even. One thing which should be in your mind is the range only. The best option is to write - from B flat 3 to F 6 .

Answer 2

Oboe fingering tend to be complicated no matter what. Trying to go off of a recorder won't help you at all, unfortunately. Things to keep in mind would be the range of the instrument. Generally oboes can play from B flat 3 (b flat below the treble clef) all the way up to A6 (two A's above the staff). BUT! That would depend on the oboist ability. Only very talented oboist can play all the way up the range of an oboe. I would try to keep oboes in the range of D4-D6. Another thing to keep in mind would be the key. Anything with C#/D flat can be tricky. The trickiest fingerings for oboes are C#-F#.

As for an oboe part in a metal band setting - that is extremely unheard off. But I would be very interested to hear that.

I know this might not be the most helpful, but seeing the music could be helpful to better help you. Or if you have any other specific questions please ask!