Oboe Concerto

Score title

Oboe Concerto

Composer

Jennifer Higdon

More about the composer

Date

Program note

This “Oboe Concerto” gives the instrument a chance to highlight its extraordinary lyrical gift. The beauty of the soaring line intrigued me as a starting point, and then the realization that the oboe makes a great partner for duets within an orchestral texture, sent me in the direction of creating interactions with other instruments in the supporting ensemble.

This instrument’s playful quality in quick-moving passages set the tone for the faster sections.

I have always thought of the oboe as being a most majestic instrument, and it was a pleasure to be able to create a work that would highlight its beauty and grace.

“Oboe Concerto” was commissioned by the Minnesota Commissioning Club, and premiered by Kathy Greenbank and The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra in 2005.

--Jennifer Higdon