The World of Oboe

The oboe is frequently used as a solo instrument in the orchestra and has inspired composers to write some of the most beautiful music in the world. Here is a short list of orchestral works containing the most famous (or fun) solos in the repertoire. Recordings are available wherever classical music is sold.

Maurice Ravel, Le Tombeau de Couperin

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Suite from Swan Lake

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 4

Richard Strauss, Don Juan

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Scheherazade

Camille Saint-Saens, “Bacchanale” from Samson and Delilah

Jacques Ibert, “Tunis-Nefta” from Escales (Ports of Call)

Want more oboe? The undisputed best oboist in the world, perhaps ever, is Alex Klein. Any recording by him is AMAZING!