Woodwind orchestra - Oboe 1/2 - Philipp Dangas

General information about the unison combinations with the oboe

Many effective unison combinations with other orchestral instruments result for the oboe. First of all, the combinations with the other woodwind instruments should be mentioned.

The combination of the oboe with the flute gives the flute sound more substance and at the same time softens the sound of the oboe. A full overall sound is created, especially in the lower registers. In contrast, the sound of the oboe is decisive in the higher positions.

Also the unison combination of the oboe with the clarinet. gives a fuller sound. The penetrating sound of the oboe dominates in the lower registers. In the higher registers, on the other hand, the sound of the clarinet dominates. A unison combination with the bassoon is rarely recommended and only really suitable for achieving a special sound strength.

Among the brass instruments, only the trumpet and the stopped horn come into consideration for a unison combination with the oboe. The combination of the oboe with the trumpet results in a very intense sound, especially in the forte.

Among the stringed instruments, the violin and the viola come into consideration for a unison combination with the oboe. The sound of the string instruments becomes more intense and colorful with the sound of the oboe.

Example of the unison combinations with the oboe

Here is an example of the unison combination of the oboe with the clarinet in its most sonorous middle register. The Unfinished by Franz Schubert.