Dilation

Dilation is a short work for unaccompanied oboe that explores the development of a single melodic idea. The piece begins with a statement of the most crucial intervals, while also challenging the soloist to perform delicate and rapid articulations across the range of the instrument. From there, the final melody gradually assembles itself against the constant pull back to a drone pitch. Additionally, the lack of a metrical structure and intermittent feathered beaming allows for a high degree of expressive freedom on the part of the performer. Purposefully void of demanding extended techniques, this piece serves as an excellent study in breath management and dynamic, expressive playing in all registers of the oboe.

Performance Time: 4’45”