Marcel Tabuteau: How Do You Expect to Play the Oboe If You Can't Peel a Mushroom?

by Laila Storch

Laila Storch is a world-renowned oboist in her own right, but her book honors Marcel Tabuteau, one of the greatest figures in twentieth-century music. Tabuteau studied the oboe from an early age at the Paris Conservatoire and was brought to the United States in 1905, by Walter Damrosch, to play with the New York Symphony Orchestra. Although this posed a problem for the national musicians' union, he was ultimately allowed to stay, and the rest, as they say, is history. Eventually moving to Philadelphia, Tabuteau played in the Philadelphia Orchestra and taught at the Curtis Institute of Music, ultimately revamping the oboe world with his performance, pedagogical, and reed-making techniques. In 1941, Storch auditioned for Tabuteau at the Curtis Institute, but was rejected because of her gender. After much persistence and several cross-country bus trips, she was eventually accepted and began a life of study with Tabuteau. Blending archival research with personal anecdotes, and including access to rare recordings of Tabuteau and Waldemar Wolsing, Storch tells a remarkable story in an engaging style.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

624 pages, Hardcover

First published April 16, 2008

Reviews

[LJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am almost finished with this book. And: I have a confession to make-- I am not an oboist.

That may surprise you, yet, I AM, deep inside, a thwarted musician, having played several instruments throughout my grade school and high school years. This "hobby" wasn't something that I was supported in, so it fell by the wayside.

However, the oboe is one of my favorite instruments, and each time I hear it, I pause... I hear it differently from other woodwinds-- it's like a language all its own, and oddly... one that I understand even if I don't "speak" it.

That being said, I am fairly well-educated as a music lover and this book is so incredibly rich in material, as well as being a first-rate biography. Most of all, I've enjoyed the latter sections where Ms. Storch shares her personal notes and letters to her mother during the years when she studied both privately and at Curtis with M. Tabuteau.

Tabuteau's instructions to his students touch upon the passion and hard work required for his craft, and these instructions are applicable to any instrumentalist. If I may be so bold, as well to anyone who wants to understand the commitment and intensity that is necessary to reach for a dream, to live it, and to maintain it at a high level.

I also found delightful the descriptions of the dinners Ms. Storch participated in. Tabuteau truly was a fabulous cook! From my love of music and food, I am not at all surprised that the title drew me in-- and I'm NOT disappointed in the least.

Any musician might find this book worthy, useful and informative; an oboist should consider this Required Reading. As a faithful fan of music, it will only increase my pleasure in hearing this instrument well-played each time I have the chance to hear it. Lucky for me the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has a fantastic principal oboist!!

Oh my goodness! Wait... I have my local radio station on in the other room... they are playing Lebrun's Oboe Concerto No. 4 as I sit here typing! Love it! Synchronicity!

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this biography, written by my former oboe teacher, Laila Storch. Marcel Tabuteau was clearly fascinating (and difficult) man, and a remarkably influential musical genius. I learned so much about the history of orchestral music in this country.

[Bruce Biggin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating look into the history of a professional oboist who dominated and changed much of the course of the oboe in the early 20th century.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating life-Marcel Tabuteau. A great read for anyone with even a moderate interest in oboe or the history of classical music in the U.S.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book! Definitely something you must read slowly and carefully. It reads like a research book, which in truth it is. But I loved it and will use it the rest of my life. Highly recommend to all oboists!

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating!

[Mike Pham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great text book style reading.