Death

:

December 9, 2006 in Whelan, MA

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Ralph Gomberg was an American oboist who was born on February 26, 1926, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the son of Russian immigrants and grew up in a musical family. His father was a violinist and his mother was a pianist. Gomberg began playing the oboe at the age of 12 and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. Gomberg attended the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he studied with Marcel Tabuteau, the legendary oboist of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Tabuteau was known for his innovative approach to oboe playing, and he had a profound influence on Gomberg's style and technique. Gomberg graduated from Curtis in 1945 and immediately joined the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as principal oboist. In 1949, Gomberg was invited to audition for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, one of the most prestigious orchestras in the world. He won the audition and became the orchestra's principal oboist, a position he held for 36 years. During his tenure with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Gomberg became known for his beautiful tone, impeccable technique, and expressive playing. He was widely regarded as one of the finest oboists of his generation. Gomberg was a frequent soloist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and he also performed as a chamber musician and recitalist. He was a founding member of the Boston Symphony Chamber Players, a group that was formed in 1964 and included some of the orchestra's top musicians. The group performed a wide range of repertoire, from Baroque to contemporary music, and became known for their virtuosic playing and innovative programming. Gomberg was also a respected teacher, and he taught at the New England Conservatory of Music and the Tanglewood Music Center. He was known for his patient and supportive teaching style, and many of his students went on to successful careers as oboists. Throughout his career, Gomberg received numerous awards and honors. In 1977, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts, the highest honor given to artists by the United States government. He was also awarded the Boston Symphony Orchestra's Erich Leinsdorf Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1993. Gomberg retired from the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1985, but he continued to perform and teach until his death in 1989. He was remembered as a consummate musician and a beloved member of the Boston music community. His legacy lives on through his recordings, which continue to inspire and delight audiences around the world.

More....