Oboe

As Printed on a Score

Oboe (plural Oboi; German Oboen, older Hoboe / Hoboen) labels the oboe staff, abbreviated Ob. Two oboes usually share a staff, with I., II., a 2 or 1. showing who plays and Solo flagging an exposed line. It is written at sounding pitch in treble clef. In German scores a direction such as “nimmt Englisches Horn” sends a player to the cor anglais.

Abbreviations: Ob., Ob

Also spelled: Oboi, Oboen, Hoboe, Hoboen

How Composers Use It

Written at pitch from B-flat below middle C to about G6. Its reedy, penetrating tone carries over a large orchestra at modest dynamics, so a single oboe can lead a melody; the lowest notes are thick and hard to play softly, the very top thin. Oboists need rests to release stale air as well as to breathe, so avoid long unbroken phrases. In Classical scores pairs of oboes often sustain the harmony with the horns.

Example

Mozart, Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550, first movement: the plural label “Oboi.” heads one staff for the two oboes.