A look at mid-twentieth century oboe composition through the works of Malcolm Arnold and Francis Poulenc

Abstract

This project has shown the compositional style for the oboe between the 20th century composers Malcolm Arnold and Francis Poulenc. By looking at both the Arnold Sonatina for Oboe and Piano and the Poulenc Sonata for Oboe and Piano, one can see that both composers use a attractive ways to highlight the instrument. In his piece, Malcolm Arnold liked to use chromaticism, juxtaposition of opposites, and virtuosity. Francis Poulenc sought to use motivic repetition, exploitation of extremes, and like Arnold: the use of adjacent opposites. This project also sought to discuss the difficulties in performing these works as a guide to future performers. In their composition, both Malcolm Arnold and Francis Poulenc have created masterpieces for the oboe repertoire.