Since the Middle Ages, the oboe has been a favored instrument in France for public occasions and celebrations.
Historical Context
King Louis XIV of France maintained an orchestra of oboes and bassoons at the court of Versailles and established a factory to perfect their manufacture.
Composition History
Henri Dutilleux's Sonata for oboe and piano and Pierre Sancan's Sonatine for oboe and piano were both composed as test pieces for the Paris Conservatoire competition.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The oboe is an instrument particularly cherished in French culture, inspiring many French composers to create works for it.
Composer Biography
Thierry Pécou, one of the foremost French composers of his generation, won first prize at the Stroud Festival International Composers Competition in Great Britain at just 19 years old.
Composition History
Claude Debussy initially composed his Rapsodie for saxophone but did not orchestrate it, describing the saxophone as an "aquatic instrument."
Instruments
The village of La Couture-Boussey, near Paris, has a long-standing tradition of outstanding instrument makers, particularly for oboes.
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