The oboe is an extremely agile and expressive instrument capable of conveying a wide range of moods, from somber and plaintive, to nimble jocularity. The rich, sustained tones work well with the drier, 'pointillistic' sounds of the guitar - rather like a good pairing of wine and cheese! But don't take our word for it; hear for yourself what this combination sounds like by playing a few of our favourites:
Capricho árabe - Francisco Tárrega, arr. K. Love
The compelling, evocative melody of this well known piece for solo guitar is beautifully rendered by the expressive, plaintive qualities of the oboe, revealing the Moorish resonance that permeates Spain.
Remembrance - Henry Wadsworth
Für Elise - Ludwig van Beethoven, arr. K. Love
This perennial favourite from the piano repertoire works well for oboe and guitar...
Julia Florida - Barcarola - Agustín Barrios Mangoré, arr. K. Love
The Paraguayan guitar virtuoso Agustín Barrios Mangoré was a master of composing music in the 19th century Romantic idiom and the melody from this well know guitar solo just soars on the oboe. Play with love in your heart.
Three Sketches for Oboe and Guitar - Kevin Love
These are three short colour pieces based on some piano music that I wrote for my friend’s daughter and are depictions of her and her two siblings. “Waltz” is a deep and dreamy 12 year old girl; “The Runner” is a 10 year old soccer - playing boy; “Beguine” was a sentimental portrait of a teenage girl that somehow became a Latin dance.