Developing interpretation: Analysis of an oboist’s process on playing the exposition of Mozart’s Oboe Concerto 1st movement

Abstract

This thesis explores the process of practicing and interpreting the first movement—particularly the exposition— of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Oboe Concerto in C major, K. 314, a cornerstone work in the oboist repertoire. Recognized as a standard in auditions and performance practice, the concerto demands both technical mastery and stylistic sensitivity. The central research questions addressed are: What performance ideals, both historical and pedagogical, can inform a modern interpretation of this work? and how can the technical challenges of the piece be effectively addressed in the practice process? The study adopts an artistic research methodology rooted in reflective practice. Insights were gathered through lessons with two professional oboe teachers, analysis of scholarly literature on Classical performance practice, and a sustained process of documentation via a practice journal and audio recordings. A pilot study focusing on the first 40 bars of the exposition identified key technical and musical issues, which then informed the strategies used in the main study covering the remainder of the exposition. The results highlight several effective practice techniques, such as rhythmic variation exercises for sixteenth-note passages, targeted use of the metronome and tuner for pitch control and stability, and methods for refining articulation and dynamic phrasing. Teacher feedback played a crucial role in shaping the interpretation, especially regarding articulation nuances, expressive dynamics, and historically informed stylistic choices. The process led to a deeper understanding of Classical phrasing, ornamentation, and the interpretive role of the performer in balancing personal expression with stylistic fidelity