Three Gems of the Vade Mecum
“The Vade Mecum of the Oboist” method book is a well-known staple of oboe teachers and students, compiled and published by Albert Andraud in 1940. In addition to scales, arpeggios, exercises, and orchestral excerpts, it has a few short recital pieces that are at once lyrical and demonstrative of the oboe’s expressive range, but also challenges for advanced students.
1. “Shepherds of Provence”, by Eugene Bozza, was written for Albert Andraud in 1939. The original was a duet for oboe and English horn. Here I have added a string quintet to provide more depth and color to the four movements.
2. "Scènes Écossaises", by Benjamin Godard, was written in 1893 for oboe and piano. Only the first movement appears in the Vade Mecum. Here, I have replaced the piano part with a string quintet for all three movements.
3. "Quatre Pièces", by Georges Guilhaud, was written in 1890 for oboe and piano. Only the last movement appears in the Vade Mecum. Here, I have replaced the piano part with a string quintet for all four movements.
Two "Lady Gaga Medley" Arrangements:
Bb Clarinet, Bb Clarinet/Bass Clarinet, and Piano
Clarinet Choir (Eb Clarinet, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Bb Clarinets, Eb Alto Clarinet (alt. 4th Bb Clarinet), Bb Bass Clarinet, Eb Contra-Alto Clarinet, optional Bb Contrabass Clarinet)
These arrangements include "Bad Romance," "Just Dance," "Poker Face," and "Telephone." They provide a fun, audience-engaging encore to a recital or concert. Click here to buy the sheet music.
"Irish Tune from County Derry" (Danny Boy), by Percy Aldridge Grainger for Bb Clarinet and String Quartet (2 Violins, Viola, Violoncello).