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The Orchestra / Instruments / Oboes / Extended Techniques

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Quartertones and Microtones

quartertone and microtone notation
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Description: intervals smaller than a semitone.

Notation: Notation methods vary, but these examples are typical of quartertones and raised & lowered inflections.

Comments: Quartertones and microtones are produced by using 'fake' fingerings and/or by adjusting the embouchure.

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Oboe microtones.
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Multiphonics

oboe icon

Description: playing chords - more than one note at a time.

Notation: Write the bottom note of the chord and the word 'chord' above. Occasionally composers write all the notes of the chord that they wish to hear and/or provide a fingering diagram.

Comments: There are many possible multiphonics on both oboe and cor anglais however instruments and players vary in the multiphonics they can find.

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Oboe multiphonics.
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Cor anglais multiphonics.
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Key Clicks

oboe keys detail

Description: rattling instrument keys.

Notation: x-shaped noteheads and verbal instruction.

Comments: This effect is not particularly loud.

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Oboe key clicks.
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Cor anglais key clicks.
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Air Notes

Double reed icon

Description: blowing air through the instrument without deliberately sounding a pitch.

Notation: verbal instruction in the music.

Comments: Very quiet!

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Air notes on the oboe.
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Air notes on the cor anglais.
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Circular Breathing

Cor anglais reed.

Description: sustaining a note whilst breathing in through the nose.

Notation: verbal instruction in the music.

Comments: Although this is easier on double reed instruments than most others, it should be regarded as an unusual technique and players should be consulted before it is used!

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Circular breathing on the cor anglais.
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