Maurice Bourgue.

Maurice Bourgue was one of the most influential oboists of the 20th century, praised for his virtuosity and dedication to teaching. He recently passed away on October 6, 2023. We want this article to serve as a tribute to his life and the incredible oboist he was.

Born in Avignon, France, in 1939, Bourgue left a significant legacy in symphonic, chamber, and solo music. His impeccable technique, musicality, and interpretative style established him as a universal authority for contemporary oboists.

Career and Repertoire.

Bourgue began his training at the Paris Conservatory under the tutelage of Étienne Baudo, winning the First Prize in 1958. His skill led him to triumph at the Concours de Genève in 1963, an event that launched his international career.

As a soloist, Bourgue collaborated with prestigious ensembles such as the Berlin Philharmonic, the Orchestre National de France, the English Chamber Orchestra, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. His repertoire ranged from the Baroque to the contemporary period, with a special focus on expanding the artistic possibilities of the oboe. He was the principal oboist of the Orchestre de Paris from its foundation in 1967 until 1979.

He also won competitions such as the ARD International Music Competition in Munich in 1967, the Prague Spring International Music Festival in 1968, and contests in Birmingham and Budapest.

All of this was combined with his teaching career at the Paris Conservatory, the Geneva Conservatory of Music, the Guildhall School of Music, and the Franz Liszt Academy of Music, along with numerous masterclasses worldwide.

Since 1972, he devoted a significant part of his career to chamber music in the Wind Octet that bears his name, which he founded and included musicians from the Orchestre de Paris. With this ensemble, he recorded several albums.

Oboe brand.

In his concerts and recordings, Maurice Bourgue played oboes made by the French company Rigoutat, known for their deep sound and expressive range. His unmistakable timbre has served as an inspiration for many performers.

Discography.

Throughout his career, Maurice Bourgue recorded for labels such as EMI, DECCA, DGG, Nimbus, Verany, Calliope, Nippon Columbia, and Philips, earning numerous awards, including multiple Grand Prix from the Académie Charles Cros. Here are some of my personal favorite recordings, with a Spotify playlist below for you to enjoy his music whenever you like:

• Poulenc: Chamber Music (1989). This album includes works by Poulenc, with Maurice Bourgue performing in the oboe sonata, the trio for oboe, bassoon, and piano, and the sextet for wind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and horn) and piano.
• Albinoni 12 Concerti op. 7 & Sonatas op.2 (1992): This album features concertos and sonatas by Albinoni. In the double oboe concerto, Maurice Bourgue performs alongside Heinz Holliger.
• Zelenka: Trio Sonatas (1999): This album was recorded with musicians such as oboist Heinz Holliger and bassoonist Klaus Thunemann.
• Beethoven 2020. Chamber Music 2: Trios (2019): This album includes two masterpieces by Beethoven for a trio of two oboes and English horn, with Maurice Bourgue performing alongside Heinz Holliger and Hans Elhorst. It features the Trio for Two Oboes and English Horn Op. 87 and the Variations on “Là ci darem la mano,” WoO 28.
• Bach, Albinoni, Mozart: Romantic Oboe (2022): This album was recorded by Maurice Bourgue with L’Ensemble Instrumental de France.

If you want to enjoy these recordings, here is a Spotify playlist where you can listen to Bourgue and immerse yourself in his oboe artistry:

Conclusion.

Throughout his career, Maurice Bourgue left a remarkable legacy in both performance and academic teaching. As both a soloist and professor, he showcased the expressive diversity of the oboe. His performances and teaching legacy have shaped new generations of oboists, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the instrument.

Frequently Asked Questions about Maurice Bourgue.

1. What made Maurice Bourgue unique as an oboist? His refined technique, crystalline tone, and deep emotional expression in every performance.
2. Which orchestras did Maurice Bourgue perform with? He worked with the Orchestra of the Paris Opera, the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, and collaborated with the Berlin Philharmonic, Czech Philharmonic, and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, among others.
3. What oboe did Maurice Bourgue prefer? He primarily played Rigoutat oboes, a French brand known for its balanced and expressive sound.
4. Which are his most relevant recordings? Notable recordings include Trio Sonatas by Zelenka, Albinoni’s concertos, Poulenc’s sonatas and sextet, and Beethoven’s trios for two oboes and English horn.
5. Who influenced Maurice Bourgue’s training? He studied with Étienne Baudo.
   at the Paris Conservatory, where he achieved the First Prize, launching his international career.
6. What repertoire did Bourgue perform? His repertoire ranged from the Baroque period to avant-garde works.

For more about renowned oboists, check out our article on Heinz Holliger and listen to his most iconic works. Or read about Albrecht Mayer with his playlist.

Hope you enjoy it! Best wishes and good reeds! 😊