Eugene Goossens, Oboe Concerto in One Movement

Eugene Goossens was an English composer and conductor, largely popular in the 1920s and 1930s. He was born into a very musical family and at the age of 13 won a scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music in London. After years of study, Goossens became a highly accomplished conductor. He led orchestras throughout Europe, America, and Australia, and even created his own orchestra of 105 handpicked musicians, which included 3 of his siblings. In addition to conducting, Goossens loved to compose. Throughout his life, Goossens wrote almost 70 works, including chamber pieces, orchestral works, and two full-length operas. Although influenced by late Romantic composers, his style also reflects the richer harmonies and energy of early twentieth-century music. 

Goossens’ Oboe Concerto in One Movement was written in 1927 for his brother, Leon Goossens, one of the most influential oboists of his time. Before Leon, the oboe was often stereotyped as having a brash or unpleasant tone. Leon changed that perception. He was known for his beautiful, smooth sound and expressive phrasing, which helped audiences hear the oboe as a lyrical and elegant solo instrument rather than just an orchestral color.

Although written in a single continuous movement, the concerto still develops a beautiful story in diverse tempos and character contrast. It opens boldly, moves into a more introspective and lyrical middle section, and builds towards an energetic and triumphant conclusion. 

Through this concerto, Eugene Goossens not only honored his brother’s artistry but also helped redefine what the oboe could be.

Arya Bailey, high school senior, oboe