Oboe, nominal pitch: C
2
InstrumentOboe |
Instrument FamilyWind |
Date MadeCirca 1760 |
DescriptionThis (anonymous) dark-stained boxwood instrument is a typical English oboe of the mid-18th century. Like the earlier instruments, it still has only two keys (sometimes one was duplicated to enable playing with right or left hand uppermost). By this stage, however, it has now lost the previously purely decorative pirouette (mouthpiece) which the oboe ‘inherited’ from its functionality in the shawm. The completely straight top with minimal expansion of the sockets is a peculiarly English feature of this period. Despite there being no third key, the C key has a fishtail touchpiece. There are no markings but a paper label glued inside the bell reads “formerly the property of / Mozart / (from the Wesley family) / Kusder model, London c. 1765” [possibly 1763]. The overall size is 581mm. It has a wooden case with internal ties to secure the instrument. Technical description: Dark stained boxwood with brass keys. There are four ivory ferrules at the reed well, sockets and bell. Straight top model. The stain does not cover the sunken oval area around the double L3 hole. R1 is a single hole. Despite there being no third key the C key has a fish tail touchpiece. There are two vent-holes in the bell. There is an inward flange at the base of the bell. 2 keys Keyhead type: flat, round. Keymount type: raised rings; SATK. The spring on the E♭ key is broken. With wooden case having internal ties to secure instrument. Usable pitch: A₄ - 415 Hz. Performance characteristics: A pleasant tone quality with generally good response and intonation although there are troublesome notes in both respectsl The high register is reliable and bright in tone. Some cross fingerings are rather fuzzy. Specific literature references: Halfpenny 1949, No 9; G.S. (1951) No 71; G.S. (1958) No 14; G.S. (1959) p.275; G.S. (1968) No 84. Illustration references: Galpin Society Journal 2, 1949, Plate IIIC No 1; Campbell and Greated 1987, p.273; workshop drawing by Tetsu Ito published by the Collection, 1998. Previous ownership: Given to Lyndesay Langwill by Canon F.W. Galpin; previously the property of the Wesley family, and reputed to have been the property of Mozart while in London. Technical drawing available from the Friends of St Cecilia's Hall. Please see http://www.stceciliasfriends.org.uk/ |
NotesJames Eastaway, 1987; S. Milton, 1993. |
Measurements581. |
ProvenanceGiven to Lyndesay Langwill by Canon F.W. Galpin; previously the property of the Wesley family, and reputed to have been the property of Mozart while in London. |
CollectionLangwill Collection; MIMEd |
Accession Number0063 |