Death of great French oboist, 83
RIPThe leading French oboist Maurice Bourgue has suddenly died.
A former principal of the Orchestre de Paris and then an influential teacher, he is widely mourned.
The conductor François Xavier Roth called him ‘one of the greatest French musician… a huge inspiration for me and my generation.’
The oboist Nicholas Daniel wrote: ‘Devastated to hear of the death of the unique and stellar Maurice Bourgue.’
A great artist and an inspiration to several generations of oboists. His friend Anthony Camden invited him to give masterclasses at the Guildhall in the late 1970s. Camden went apeshit when he found pretty well all the oboe students from the RAM and RCM had sneaked in also, without any prior permission having been negotiated!
A great oboist but more importantly a sincere and probing musical intellect. The oboe fraternity worldwide will miss his unique and sparkling sound. RIP Maurice
When I managed an orchestra in the 1980s, I had engaged Heinz Holliger for a pair of subscription concerts. Just before he was due to arrive, I learned from his agent that he would have to cancel due to illness. With a gap to fill very urgently and not knowing other major oboe soloists, I called a friend then running the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. She highly recommended Maurice Bourgue and kindly contacted him for me. He happened to be free and was prepared to fly thousands of miles at little more than a moment’s notice.
He was a joy to work with and gave us two superb concerts. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Oh noo!! So sad! He was the godfather of modern oboe playing school + literally a huge giant in oboe history! Propably the most greatest oboist ever! RIP Maestro Bourgue and thank you for your unbeliavable legacy! Your job and legacy will continuing in good hands!