Master Class with Alexei Ogrintchouk

In this master class, distinguished oboist Alexei Ogrintchouk works with Maria Nikolic on the first romance of Robert Schumann’s Three Romances for Oboe and Piano, Op. 94. This Romantic piece is often performed on violin or clarinet, both lyrical instruments whose sounds can ebb and flow, similarly to the oboe. As is true in other lyrical pieces, the performer has the freedom to define their phrasing, but it is often difficult when you are presented with a blank slate. Ogrintchouk focuses on breath control, tone, and phrasing, encouraging Nikolic to play with a clear musical intention so that her interpretation remains both convincing and expressive. He stresses the importance of phrasing in legato lines, guiding Nikolic in using air speed effectively to achieve projection with a focused tone. Ogrintchouk, a renowned musical globetrotter, has won international competitions in Moscow, Paris, and Prague, and is a two-time Victoires de la Musique Classique award winner. He has served as Principal Oboe of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam since 2005 and shares his expertise as Professor of Oboe at the Haute École de Musique de Genève and the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague.