Differences between the French and German Style Oboe

Yola Dabrowski began playing classical instruments as a junior high school student. Yola Dabrowski participated in multiple school performances, and played piano, violin, and the oboe for the Detroit Youth Symphony Orchestra.

The modern oboe evolved from a double reed instrument dating back to the Middle Ages, with the contemporary design being developed in 17th century France. Known as the Conservatoire style, the French oboe is commonly used in orchestras due to its more extensive key system. The German, or Wiener, style oboe, on the other hand, enjoyed popularity when it was introduced in the 1800s, but has since fallen out of favor.

The Wiener oboe is shorter and offers a more restrictive octave range than the French style. The French oboe is also thinner and brighter in appearance than the German oboe. Due to differences in reed shape, instrumentalists may find it more difficult to play a German oboe at fast speeds or low volumes. On the other hand, the French oboe is more flexible and difficult to control.