Oboe Soliloquy

In 1930 Elgar commenced writing a Suite for solo Oboe and string orchestra, at the request of the famous oboist Leon Goossens. Only the second movement was ever completed, and remained unheard until 1967, when it was given its first performance in an orchestral arrangement by Gordon Jacob. The manuscript became accessible following Goossens' death, when his music collection was donated to the British Library. The Acuta Music publication in 1996 marked the first appearance of the Soliloquy in print.


ISBN : 1 873690 07 X. ISMN : M 708999 07 2.

Duration : 4 minutes.

Instruments : Solo Oboe with Piano accompaniment. The solo part also contains an arrangement for Clarinet in B Flat or A. Orchestral version : Solo Oboe, Flute, Clarinet in A, Strings (minimum 2-2-2-2-1).

Difficulty : Grade 6-8.

Orchestral version : Orchestral parts for Gordon Jacob's arrangement for solo Oboe and small orchestra are available on hire only from ChesterNovello. The hire material was prepared by Acuta Music and is fully "compatible" with the Acuta Oboe/Piano edition.

Availability : Performing set consisting of Piano score and solo oboe/clarinet part can be obtained from Acuta Music or from ChesterNovello (ref. NOV120812 / NOV 120182 - via Musicroom.com). Click on the "Sales" bookmark for ordering details and prices.

Copyright : As it was not performed until after Elgar's death, the Elgar Soliloquy is still in copyright, and will be until the year 2038. It is published by Acuta Music under licence from the copyright holders ChesterNovello (Novello & Co. Ltd.). The piano score contains information regarding permission for public performance or recording.