Gustave Vogt was one of the most famous oboists of the early nineteenth century, a teacher of significant influence and certainly the most prolific composer of oboe music of his century.

In addition to his major official posts as principal oboe with the orchestra of the Paris Opéra (1812-34), the Société des Concerts du Conservatoire (1828-44) and the private Chapels of Napoléon, Charles X and Louis-Philippe, and a long-time faculty member of the Conservatoire (initially as adjunct professor 1809-16, then succeeding his teacher Sallantin as full professor of oboe 1816-53, and finally as a member of the Comité des Études until obliged to resign at the age of 86), Vogt also managed to schedule tours as soloist to the French provinces, Germany, Austria, England as well as his native Alsace, and countless appearances in Parisien salons.

Everywhere he was praised for his impeccable technique and singing style, although the British disliked his tone, and some German critics were disappointed that he had renounced his German (actually Alsatian) heritage to embrace the French style. Throughout his career Vogt charmed audiences with the haunting sounds of his cor anglais. Whether the simplicity of the romance from Nina, the ranz des vaches at the Paris première of Rossini’s Guillaume Tell, the reverent tone of Cherubini’s Ave Maria or his own virtuosic elaborations of popular operatic themes, it was above all the touching human vocal quality that he brought to the instrument that was remarked upon. The young Héctor Berlioz was amongst those to sing Vogt’s praises.

Fountayne Editions, 62 Fountayne Road, London N16 7DT
Email: info@fountayneeditions.co.uk Why not visit Fountayne Pops