Providing licensed digital sheet music notes since 2010

Oboe Sheet Music
Download Printable PDF Score for Oboe

Browse through Oboe Sheet Music Notes and Chords. Broad selection of musical notation to print or download.

Fun Facts About the Oboe You Never Knew


The oboe is a woodwind instrument that sounds similar to a bassoon. It produces notes that are lower than the other woodwind instruments because it has a narrower bore. The oboe's sound can be made to imitate the clarinet, saxophone, or trumpet, depending on the type of reed. Don't let your oboe dry out! If it does, its sound may become uneven and make the same note difficult to play.

Many professional oboists recommend giving their instruments a break from practice after about four months. If you don't give your oboe a rest, its reeds can wear down and it won't sound its best anymore. Remember, there are no short cuts in learning to play the oboe. If you give your instrument a rest from time to time, it will last much longer and you'll have a lot more fun playing.


Who invented the oboe?

The oboe was invented by the Royal Academy of Music in France in 1790. It was created for music in the opera house.

The origins of the oboe date back to ancient Rome, where it was introduced to both the Romans and the Gauls. The earliest written reference to the oboe as a musical instrument dates back to 1300 CE in Italy, as well as to texts from the 14th century. The oboe was later introduced to France and then to England. It is unclear who invented the oboe, but we do know that the French word for the instrument is hautbois, which translates as "high bassoon."

The history of the oboe is intertwined with that of its most famous player, Louis-Théodore Héribert, better known as J.S. Bach. Bach was born in 1685 in Germany and, in 1703, took over the position of Thomaskantor at the Thomaskirche in Leipzig, where he lived until his death in 1750. He is one of the most famous composers of all time, having written some of the most well-known music of the Baroque era. Bach first learned to play the oboe in 1701, and he would learn to play it so well that he even added it to the repertoire of the St. Thomas Church orchestra in Leipzig, of which he became director in 1723.


What is special about the oboe?

The oboe is a beautifully haunting instrument, but not many people know the number of interesting facts about it. Firstly, the oboe was actually invented in 18th century France. It was used to imitate the sound of an English horn that had fallen out of fashion, but had more tonal range. The oboe is also the only woodwind instrument that is double-reed. This is because it needs a very firm reed to give the instrument its distinct sound, especially during forte. In fact, according to Fred Waring himself, there were 32 ornaments that oboe players used to play during his time. These were later compiled into a book called The Art of Oboe Playing by Arnold Jacobs in 1932.

There are many different types of oboes - each with their own distinctive sounds. Some are louder than others, or have bigger or smaller chambers. The main types are the soprano, alto, tenor and bass oboe. The pitch is also adjustable for a wider range of music. Most of these oboes were made from animal horn, although the tuba is the only woodwind instrument that is able to make a "hissing" sound. The oboe is the soprano member of the oboe family, and sounds an octave above the treble clef. They are the smallest woodwind instruments. They were originally made from Bassoon reeds. Oboes can be played with or without a double reed. They generally have two main chambers - one for the air and one for the reed. This arrangement allows the player to play in different keys.


The Role of the Oboe in Music

Oboes are most commonly heard in Baroque period pieces because the original instruments were made from wood. In the Baroque period, composers like Bach and Handel would use an instrument like the oboe to create a haunting and dramatic sound for their compositions. The oboe is a large and difficult instrument to play and therefore, not as popular as other woodwind instruments. The flute, another famous Baroque instrument, was used by Baroque composers like Bach and Handel. The flute produces a very high-pitched sound.


Weird Oboe Facts

The oboe is one of the most valuable instruments in an orchestra, with a price range varying from $10,000 to $20,000.

A group of oboes is called an "oboe quartet."

The word "oboe" is derived from the Middle English word "obow," meaning "stirring breath."

The oboe is also known as the American horn. An oboe is usually made out of wood.

It is a double reed instrument, which means it uses two reeds to make the sound. An oboe is placed in between a bassoon and a clarinet in most orchestras.


Instrument Picture

Download Oboe sheet music
Looking for high-quality Oboe sheet music? Look no further than our selection of digital and printable sheet music. We have something for everyone, from beginners to experts. Our Oboe sheet music is available in a variety of formats, including PDF and Sibelius files, so you can choose the option that best suits your needs. And with our convenient online ordering, you can get started on your musical journey today!

Download and print today's top hits for Oboe solo, with big note notation. All of your favorite artists are here!